Lepidoptera

Portland in the summer is irresistible. The sun is high and bright. The sky is bluer than the bluest Slushie (to quote that Sea World commercial). The gardens of the city's iconic bungalows alive with teeny critters. Perfect for a portrait shoot.

I'm greeted in Jessica's house by a dog and three cats, plus the lovely model herself. Jess studies spiders for a living so the butterfly covered concept wasn't much of a departure. I don't think I'd be able to photograph someone covered in spiders. Severe arachnophobia is no laughing matter. Dead butterflies however, are a different story. Clever Jess found a way to get them to stick (but not stay put) and our battle with the summer breeze began as we spent half the shoot chasing after wayward butterflies. I could not resist the "Silence of the Lambs" shot. Watch it if you haven't then go watch Hannibal the series for good measure.

Thank you Jess for inviting me to your home, not minding me being distracted by your adorable kitten and sticking dead insects to your face. 


























All images ©Nathalie Donado