Happy Halloween!
Halloween is my favorite holiday, even though I’m not a fan of scary things. I lean more towards the "spooky" vibe, which makes Halloween the perfect opportunity for creative photography. In October 2022, I embarked on a special photo series called Women of Halloween, where friends and family dressed up as iconic women from Halloween legends. This project allowed me to merge my passion for photography with the eerie elegance of these legendary female characters. Let’s take a journey through some of my favorite characters and photos from this captivating series!
La Catrina (Sade Esquivel)
La Catrina is one of the most recognizable figures associated with the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos). Originally an Aztec goddess named Mictecacihuatl, La Catrina was later popularized by the Mexican illustrator José Guadalupe Posada in the early 1900s. Her elegant dress and skull-like face have come to symbolize not only Mexican culture but also the acceptance of death. The history behind La Catrina serves as a reminder that, beneath it all, we are all equal. This iconic character was beautifully brought to life in my series by Sade. Read more about La Catrina HERE.
Lilith (Lauren Cowen)
Lilith is often depicted as Adam’s first wife in various religious texts and stories, symbolizing independence and strength. She refused to be subordinate to Adam, and her rebellious spirit led to her becoming a symbol of feminine power and freedom. Lilith’s story has evolved over centuries, finding a place in art, literature, and even modern feminist movements. Lauren's portrayal of Lilith captured this ancient yet relevant figure, bringing a mix of beauty and danger to the photo series.
Hel (Jessica Vaillancourt)
In Norse mythology, Hel is the ruler of the underworld that shares her name. Hel is described as the daughter of Loki, making her part of a powerful yet sinister lineage. Her portrayal in this series, brought to life by Jess V, delves into the themes of death, hidden worlds, and the inevitability of our mortality. Read more about Hel HERE
The Lady in Lace (Moriah Richards Schartner)
The Lady in Lace is a ghostly figure said to haunt the California coastline along Seventeen Mile Drive. Legends claim she is the spirit of Dona Maria del Carmen Barreto, wandering in sorrow and solitude. Moriah’s depiction of this forlorn ghost perfectly captured the eerie beauty and melancholy of this coastal legend, adding a haunting touch to the series (S.E. Schlosser).
Oizys (Emily Grondine)
In ancient Greek mythology, Oizys is the goddess of grief, anxiety, and depression. Known in Roman culture as Miseria, her name reflects the deep sadness and emotional suffering humans experience. Emily Grondon’s portrayal of Oizys highlighted this ancient goddess's somber and ethereal presence, giving life to a figure that embodies the darker sides of human emotion. Read more about Oizys HERE.
Check out more of my favorite Halloween photos from this project below!
