If you are going to celebrate beauty, try doing makeup atop the Tuscany Valley.
I left off the Fearless 2015 photography retreat and makeup adventure in a bar at Piazza della Ruppublica with Debbie. We were listening to a three piece band and washing down top 40 hits with a martini. I’ll skip ahead because nobody wants to relive the next morning when I’m behaving like a teething toddler who’s been woken early from a much needed nap. Never again will I under estimate jet lag.
One more time to the airport to pick up the last photography client and then to our temporary home for the week. It’s a sprawling villa just outside the town of Gaurdea, Italy resting on the hillside of a Tuscany valley and over looking the Tiber river. The yard site has olive and various fruit trees and the perimeter is patrolled by the most adorable donkey’s. Hence the name, Colle dell’ Asinello (hill of the donkey). The main structure of the building is obviously original and could be over 1oo years old. On the inside, the additions like the glass enclosed swimming pool are masterfully fused to create a seamless open concept living area. It’s a surreal setting where we dined, lounged and photographed through out the week.
Now I’m more like a toddler checking out a playmates toy room for the first time. Rushing from one detail to another barely processing everything until a new anticipation takes over…….the arrival of the addition to our creative team. Photographers Meagan Garner and Jen Trombly from the US. In my heart I wanted desperately to stay up and greet them but the rest of my body would have no part of it.
When I got up in the morning I could understand why Italy has been the birth place of so many masterpieces. The lush hills, stone walls and bright natural gardens gave inspiration to makeup colors and spectacular backdrops for the many photoshoots to take place over the next few days. The cool damp air, picturesque surroundings and laid back vibe added to the cocktail of creative juices….our cups runneth over.
Photographing real life goddesses in Italy.
Our model/makeup artist/photographer entourage engaged in a full beauty assault on Italy; we stormed the villa, hillsides, rooftops, the dead city of Civita (among others) and beaches of Cinque Terre. With evidence and influence of historical art all around it was effortless for the clients and models to slip into Roman goddess-like poses that made locals and tourists stop in their tracks.
Although the makeup gig and majority of the boudoir sessions were over, the fun didn’t end when we left Colle dell’ Asinello. Debbie and I paired up again; hit the train station for Venice and one more over night in Florence. Go to Facebook to see more photos of my Fearless Destination Woman’s Bordoir Retreat 2015, Italy or to mG Artistry’s portfolio to see boudoir photos from previous retreats and right here at home.