Linda Blacker Discusses Lucy Moon Photoshoot

Lucy Moon stars in photographer Linda Blacker’s most recent YouTuber Fairytale portraits.

Exploring the Pre-Raphaelite style, which originated in London in the 1840s, Linda Blacker’s latest YouTuber Fairytale shoot pictures Lucy Moon in the beautiful Great Comp Garden bringing to life the story of Narcissa, based on Narcissus from Greek mythology. In the original story, Narcissus – the vain son of Cephissus the river god – discovers his reflection in a pool and is so in awe of his own beauty that he stares at it until he dies.

A little bonus portrait of the beautiful @meowitslucy ❤️ What do you think? I really love this one. Would love to know your thoughts in the comments​ below! Make Up Artist @sminko_mua Location – @greatcompgarden #lindablacker #photographer #art

A post shared by Linda Blacker (@lindablacker) on May 29, 2017 at 11:30am PDT

The story of Narcissa, which was split into four parts for the Instagram series, was written by Linda herself. “I was super excited,” she tells TenEighty, “because I love Greek mythology! I went away and wrote a story based upon Narcissus, turning Lucy into my Narcissa.”

Part Two of my newest YOUTUBER FAIRYTALE with the beautiful Lucy Moon! @meowitslucy What do you think? This photoshoot is inspired by the Greek myth, Narcissus.. Please follow my Instagram to follow the story & see more of my work @Lindablacker 🦋🦋🦋 You can read part Two of my story below! With thanks to; Make Up Artist @Sminko_Mua @Greatcompgarden for the use of their stunning gardens! The Story And so she sits beside the pond, falling in love… For within the water there is a young woman. She stares back at her, eyes wide, full of admiration. As Narcissa moves, so does the woman. With every turn, blink, breath, she mirrors her. ‘Why do you look at me so, oh beautiful woman in the pond?’ Narcissa whispers, her eyebrows drawn together in confusion as the woman beneath the water silently mouths her every word. ‘Will you not come to the surface and speak with me?’ Narcissa asks. But the woman in the water simply copies her once more and frustration builds in Narcissa’s heart. She dips a hand into the water, reaching for the woman, but as her fingers break the surface of the pond, the woman disappears. Narcissa pulls her hand back sharply fearful that the woman is lost. But a moment passes and she returns. Narcissa spends many hours by the pond, watching the young woman, growing ever more captivated by her silent beauty. But the woman never speaks, only mirrors the movements of Narcissa, over and over again. As time passes, the garden begins to grow dark. The pond and the woman disappear as the sun sets below the horizon. With a sigh, Narcissa stands. “I will return at dawn, to see your face once more.’ She whispers to the dark. ‘For you are the reason I will rise from my bed tomorrow.’ She turns, and moves towards her house at the bottom of the garden, a new found love blossoming within her heart. #lindablacker #photography #greek #myth #meowitslucy #youtuberfairytale

A post shared by Linda Blacker (@lindablacker) on May 28, 2017 at 10:58am PDT

Trying to give a Pre-Raphaelite feel to the imagery, Linda studied the most famous of the movement’s paintings. After “a lot of searching”, Linda found Lucy’s dress – a vintage dressing gown with a simple white dress underneath. Linda says she was “so happy with the result, you would never guess it was an 80s dressing gown”.

Michelle Blacker, Linda’s sister, was the make-up artist. Linda says that since she and her sister have always loved the Pre-Raphaelites, it was simple for Michelle to recreate the right look.

Finale of the Lucy Moon @meowitslucy Youtuber Fairytale! What do you think? I hope you enjoyed this series! Let me know in the comments! To see more of my work please follow my instagram @Lindablacker MUA @Sminko_Mua
Location @Greatcompgarden Part 4 The sun is low, floating ever so slightly above the horizon. Narcissa’s feet move with haste, desperate to reach the pond before darkness falls. As she runs through the gardens, her skin begins to tingle. ‘What an odd sensation.’ She says to herself, frowning. As she turns a corner, Narcissa sees the pond glistening beneath the last ray of sunlight. Overjoyed, she tries to rush forward, but her body does not respond. Narcissa’s eyes are wide with fear, as she looks down at her body. All over her skin, tiny buds sprout from her pores, erupting into beautiful blossoms. Vines shoot out from her finger tips and wrap around her arms, reaching up towards her heart. She collapses onto a bench beside her, unable to muster the strength to stand. As more flowers grow and encompass her body, she stares fearfully at the sky above and screams to the Gods. ‘What are you doing to me? Why are you punishing me so?’ Her voice echoes throughout the garden. There is a moment of silence, and then suddenly, a deep angry voice booms from the heavens. ’Narcissa.’ The unknown voice calls. ‘Your vanity has consumed your soul. The life and joy that you have been blessed with since birth is simply wasted, for you only find joy when you look upon yourself. So we shall take from you your blessings and leave you with nothing but this beauty you care for so deeply.’ ‘What do you mean?’ Narcissa cries, but she receives no response. In a panic, Narcissa throws herself to the earth with all her might, desperately trying to crawl towards the pond, as though her own reflection shall be her saviour. Just as she reaches the edge of the pond, there is a blinding flash of light. Narcissa’s body disappears. The night is silent. The following morning, the sun rises and the garden is full of the golden light of dawn. Beside the pond, a white flower sits, drooping over the pond, as though gazing at it’s own reflection. The End

A post shared by Linda Blacker (@lindablacker) on Jun 3, 2017 at 11:00am PDT

Linda states that she was eager to work with Lucy because of the content she creates on YouTube. Lucy often discusses new and different topics, which meant Linda could explore a theme a tad more “intense” than previous shoots. Plus, having been involved in choosing the theme, Lucy really understood the character and what the photos were trying to portray.

“She was really keen to play a character who was perhaps vain or narcissistic, perhaps a little dark,” Linda says. “After a chat we settled on the character Narcissus from Greek mythology, also featured in a famous Pre-Raphaelite painting! So it was the ideal choice. It was brilliant because we really were on the same page in regards to a theme.”

Everyone involved with this Fairytale shoot is very pleased with the way it turned out. Linda states that she “felt she was able to explore a theme darker than other YouTuber Fairytale shoots”, and is “really keen to continue this and really go a step further with the stories”.

All of the images from this shoot, as well as past YouTuber Fairytales, can be found on Linda’s Instagram.

Want more?

Check out our article on Linda’s diversity photo series. Alternatively, get the details on Carrie Fletcher’s 2017 book tour.

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