I’m so excited to share this feature + introduce you lovelies to the sophia project today!
the sophia project, conceptualized and produced by the talented photographer Clayton Austin + cinematographer Derrek Sullivan, is a unique styled shoot that gives the viewer a peak into the life of the couple (the video) the morning of the lovely shoot (the photos). I love that they wrapped a traditional styled shoot in a carefully crafted story that seamlessly joins their talents and allows us to better understand the design/styling decisions and the emotions conveyed in their lovely work below. It’s great to see talented artists evolve their already great work and push the limits of what the wedding world has to offer! I love seeing artists take chances and it sure works here.
In addition to producing a beautiful final composition, it’s great that the story is abstract enough to allow the viewer to extract their own meaning from it. My takeaway was that while I love love, it’s important to remember that for a great relationship to work, it really does take work from both people. the sophia project explores different perspectives on love, relationships, and human nature. Perseverance, humility, commitment, forgiveness to name just a few.
Here’s a bit more about the project from Clayton:
I once read that forgiveness is a virtue of the brave. I truly love Addison, my partner of five years, more than life itself. We have endured more together than one can imagine and I am humbled by his commitment to me. But the truth is I have a propensity to leave wet towels on the floor and refuse to scrape my plate before loading it into the dishwasher. Sometimes we argue about these things, as minuscule as they may be, and sometimes we even go to bed angry at each other because we both have a tendency to take things personally, our pride making for a cold, cold night. But thankfully the sun waits for no one and blesses us every morning with a brand new start and a chance to be right again. “Good morning (forgive me)” follows a theme of morning time from breakfast to alarm clocks to razor boutonnieres. Whenever Addison and I have a falling out, breakfast is chance for us to make amends with one another. ”I’m sorry. I love you. Pancakes or waffles?” can heal all kinds of wounds.
The video is pretty stunning and really brings their concept to life. The song used is ”About Today” by The National (one of my fave bands!) and it fits perfectly. I hope you enjoy this feature and thanks so much to Clayton + Derrek for creating such a gorgeous piece of art to share with us today!
From Clayton who designed + styled the shoot: I collected the wardrobe and details over many months. The main look, the white dress with the big furry bottom I actually created myself out of a vintage top, while the bottom half I sewed from a bean bag slipcover I discovered at a Pottery Barn outlet. That entire look cost less than $40. Obviously I am pretty proud of this particular look. Half of the shoot took place in Austin, Texas while the second was shot in the Colorado and Utah. Derrek and I drove an RV pulling a trailer the 3000 mile roundtrip to Utah specifically to shoot the “apology” in the Bonneville Salt Flats because we wanted to give a sense of isolation to the couple as if at that very moment what was happening between them was all that mattered in the world. We spent two days there shooting in by far the most beautiful light I had ever seen. The entire project was an experience that we will not soon forget.
concept + design + photography: Clayton Austin // cinematography: Derrek Sullivan // style assistant: Country Sugar // hair: Kendall Koehler // makeup: Adrienne Pitkin // paper goods: Purplest // fabric boutonniere: The Chica Boutique
We were please to meet Clayton when he shot our wedding in October and delighted to make a new friend. We are both photographers as well and felt a true connection with him from the start. This project is so heartfelt and passionate and we would not expect anything less from him. Keep up the good work. Forever grateful to you for all of your hard work and dedication to your art. You are an inspiration to us all. Love you bud, Keith and Alexis
This is hands down the most gorgeous thing I’ve ever encountered. The story, the styling, the photography…..AMAZING! Kudos Clayton and blessings to everyone.
this is just so breathtakingly gorgeous, and the story and idea behind it is even more beautiful. Love it. great work! inspiring!!
these are great Clayton! :)
this has absolutely blown my mind. stunning imagery, interesting concept. everything was perfectly executed – a beautiful, emotive collaboration. x
Thank you SO much for featuring this. What soul ALL this has…every single detail. I am touched deeply.
This is pretty stunning. I usually don’t write comments, but I had to for this one. I love everything from the clothes to the setting. Just wow.
Wow! These photos are all to die for, how gorgeous!
Oh My Goodness! This is beyond lovely and so moving! I adore the truth in this piece and it is so way beyond amazing! These are the things that speak to me after being married 36 years! LOVE!
Just plain awesome!
Wow, this is amazingly gorgeous! And it is SO IMPRESSIVE that you made that dress from a vintage top and a bean bag cover.