One brisk afternoon in early February, as I made my way to the mailbox in Georgia, a peculiar envelope caught my eye amid the usual stack of bills and advertisements. Sealed with wax and bearing the return address of “Pro Prints: The Invitational Competition,” it piqued my curiosity. Upon opening it, I found myself invited to participate in a photography competition hosted by ProPrints.
The challenge presented was intriguing: to select a Tarot card and, using our photographic prowess, depict its essence through symbolism and personal interpretation. Though my knowledge of Tarot was modest, the prospect excited me. Tarot had always fascinated me, and while I dabbled in its practice, I remained far from an expert.
Coincidentally, my wife and I had discussed creating our own Tarot deck through photography. Thus, this opportunity seemed serendipitous. As we deliberated over the various cards and their meanings, the card of Strength resonated with me inexplicably. Inspired, I enlisted my wife’s expertise as a Special Effects Makeup Artist to transform a model into a lion, embodying the essence of Strength.
With a plan in motion, I arranged for the necessary models and set a date for the shoot. Hours of meticulous preparation followed, with one model enduring hours in the makeup chair and further hours posing under intense lights alongside another.
Though the process involved numerous iterations and adjustments, we persevered until capturing the perfect shot. Upon reviewing the image on my camera, I knew we had achieved something remarkable.
Submitting our creation to ProPrints, we now await the judges’ verdict. Yet, regardless of the outcome, the true triumph lies in the collaborative effort that brought our vision to life. Together with my wife and our models, we crafted an image of which I am immensely proud—a piece that will adorn my home as a testament to our collective talent and dedication.