Dirty Dines Part 1
An ode to youthful abandon & messy eats.
Ah, food! It's not just about nourishment, or fancy dishes that make it to our Instagram feeds. It’s about the memories, the feelings, and the pure, unadulterated joy it brings. From this sentiment, the vision for our portfolio shoot Dirty Dines emerged.
Flashback to TGIF.
Let me paint a picture for you: It’s the late 80s, early 90s. The air is thick with anticipation. Fridays are not just any day. It’s TGIF. The scent of freshly popped popcorn wafts through the house. The television flickers to life, showcasing a lineup of our favorite shows. You, your siblings, and maybe a couple of friends sprawl out on the carpet, a cacophony of giggles, junk food, and jests. The room is littered with candy wrappers, soda cans, and that unmistakable orange residue from cheese balls. Remember that? That's the spirit we aimed to capture in Dirty Dines part 1.
Photographer: Kate Grewall, Art Direction & Props: Limonata Creative, Food Stylist: Diana Jeffra, Photo Assistant: Emily Shultz Hair: Angenae Ward Taylor, Wardrobe: Danielle Wood, Make Up: Perryn Morris, Models: (left to right) Elliott, Jasmine, Adora, and Kamar
The teenage dream.
Our journey began with the teenagers. Four teens, reluctant at first, each handed the golden ticket to a candy land of their own. The choices? Candies and foods that were not just delicious but also notorious for leaving their mark. Quite literally. Ring pops that painted tongues vibrant hues, cheese balls that smeared fingers with a delightful orange tint; the aftermath was a delightful mess. A mess that wasn’t just about the food but about the echoes of laughter, the shared jokes, and that carefree spirit of youth. These weren't merely portraits; they were vibrant glimpses into youthful moments.
The friend group.
After the individual portraits, we dived into the group shots. And oh, what a riot that was! Think of it as a mini-reunion of sorts. A harmonious blend of diverse personalities, quirks, and of course, their choice of snack. The chemistry was palpable, the energy, infectious. This scene beautifully captured the spirit of youthful bonds.
Photographer: Kate Grewall, Art Direction & Props: Limonata Creative, Food Stylist: Diana Jeffra, Photo Assistant: Emily Shultz Hair: Angenae Ward Taylor, Wardrobe: Danielle Wood, Make Up: Perryn Morris, Models: Elliott, Jasmine, Adora, and Kamar
Food styling: crafting the mess.
Now, let's talk about the food styling. Yours truly had the delectable task of ensuring that every cheese puff, every piece of candy, was nothing short of messy perfection. It's one thing to eat messily; it's quite another to craft that mess with deliberation. The aim was to enhance the authenticity, ensuring that every stain, every smear looked natural yet visually arresting.
A celebration of togetherness.
Dirty Dines wasn't just a shoot; it was an exploration. An exploration of pure human delight. Of people, diverse in every sense, coming together to revel in each other's company, quirks, and yes, the food-induced messiness. It was a tip of the hat to foods that are intertwined with American culture—foods that evoke nostalgia, joy, and a cheeky sense of indulgence.
Photographer: Kate Grewall, Art Direction & Props: Limonata Creative, Food Stylist: Diana Jeffra, Photo Assistant: Emily Shultz Hair: Angenae Ward Taylor, Wardrobe: Danielle Wood, Make Up: Perryn Morris, Models: Adora, and Kamar
Embracing the delightful chaos.
So, the next time you find yourself hesitating before biting into that juicy burger or that tantalizingly drippy ice cream cone, remember Dirty Dines. Embrace the mess. Relish the chaos. After all, the best memories are often the messiest ones.
And with that I hope that you find your own Dirty Dines moment, sprinkled with joy, nostalgia, and a generous dash of delightful disarray. Cheers to the messy and the memorable!
Limonata Creative's art direction was the magic wand that transformed our ideas into reality. The sheer coordination required was nothing short of monumental. But, as they say, teamwork makes the dream work. Every member of our team brought their A-game, blending their unique skills and talents into what became a resounding success.
A TIP OF THE HAT
A project like this doesn't happen without an all-star team. So, a huge shoutout to:
@limonatacreative: The genius minds behind the direction, set design, and those oh-so-perfect props.
@kategrewal (and her awesome reps @fanclub.nz + @all.opal): The master behind the lens, capturing every delicious detail.
@lifeofafoodstylist: Yours truly, playing with food in the most fun way possible.
@dwdaniellewood (repped by @thisstyleandbeauty): Making sure our wardrobes were as stylish as our plates.
@pk.mua: Proving that sometimes, the best makeup comes from the kitchen.
@awardstyles: Keeping our hair game strong amidst the foodie chaos.
Model Agent + Models: @marzenterprise w/ @jasmineborn_ & Kamar
Model Agent + Model: @theartistagency w/ @adorasday
Model: @elliotlanham
Photo Assistant: @emshultzphoto
Photo Studio + Prop House: @PropUpShopBmore
LET'S KEEP THE CREATIVE JUICES FLOWING
If this whimsical world of Dirty Dines has your appetite wanting more, I invite you to explore the rest of my work. And if you're brimming with new concepts or ideas, don't be shy! Reach out, and let's create magic together. Here's to more food, fun, and fabulous photography!