Celebrating the 4th with Caralynn Rose

 

I always try to do at least one shoot each year that is a tribute to the 4th of July. This year, I had doubts about shooting the theme. I try to keep this blog apolitical, but I am so disgusted with the actions of this administration that this year's Independence Day seemed hollow. Despite my reservations, I decided to shoot it anyway in the hope that I could use the shots in the future when, and if, America regains its sanity.

I chose Caralynn for this year's tribute. She has a beautiful face, an outgoing personality, and I thought shooting with her would cheer me up since she was so delightfully cheery during our first shoot. She did a great job.

We met on Sauvie Island in the early evening. Caralynn left work a little early so we would have plenty of light for the shoot. I usually shoot on the island in the early morning to avoid the crowds, so I had concerns the beach would be too full, but fortunately, only a very few people remained.

As usual, I brought a selection of outfits to use in our shoot. Caralynn wore them all well and made the shoot fun for both of us. We not only shot a variety of patriotic costumes, but we also did a couple of military-themed concepts, as well as some nudes with the graffiti on the Sauvie Spaceship. 

I finished the shoot in a better mood than when I started, and we left the beach before the worst of the mosquitoes started biting, and we totally lost the light. Fun shoot!

Every year during the warm months when I can shoot outdoors, I usually dedicate a portion of my shoots to a patriotic theme. I don't do it with every shoot, but I do get enough images so that on the 4th of July I can create a montage of images to share with my followers on Instagram, Twitter, and Deviant Art. I've been doing this for at least a decade, perhaps a bit longer. 

I enjoy the 4th of July. I usually have a cookout at my house for my family and friends where we cook hamburgers, hotdogs, wings and serve salsa and chips, salads, and for dessert, banana pudding with red, white, and blue sprinkles. It's my favorite holiday. 

I usually don't inject politics into my blog posts, but I'm feeling pretty down about the holiday this year. With the recent Supreme Court rulings, I fear for democracy in this country. Given the current Republican ticket and proposed 2025 Project, I just have a tough time celebrating. Nevertheless, hope remains and we'll have our cookout, I'll post my photos, and I'll vote my conscience come November.

Here are some shots that I hope brighten your day: 

For about the last ten years or so, maybe longer, I've been posting images for the 4th of July. Usually I start about 10 or so days before the event and post images of my many lovely models in their patriotic regalia everyday up until the 4th.  This year, due to various reasons, I got a late start.  Given all that's been happening in the last couple of years, I'm just not feeling all that patriotic this year.

Well, nevertheless, here are some images that I hope will brighten you holiday and lift your spirits.

Have a Great Independence Day Everyone!