Well this doesn’t happen everyday here but DAYM I wish it did!
When drag queen Heide Hole walked into the Zanzo Studio, I knew we were in for something special. And boy, was I right! What followed was one of the most fun, creative, and downright fabulous photoshoots I've had in ages.
Heidi Hole the Hobart based drag performer looking elegant and fabulous in her black on black 80’s inspired number
A Different Kind of Portrait Session
After photographing over 2,000 families here at our Liverpool Street studio, I'm always excited when a unique project walks through our doors. Heide came to us looking for promotional images that would capture her artistry and personality – and let me tell you, she brought both in spades!
The energy in the studio was electric from the moment we started planning. This wasn't just about taking photos; it was about creating art together. We spent time discussing each outfit, the story she wanted to tell, and how we could bring her vision to life through our lens.
The Art of Collaboration
One thing I absolutely love about portrait photography is the collaborative process, and working with Heide was collaboration at its finest. She arrived with multiple stunning outfits, each telling a different story and requiring a completely different approach.
We had everything from dramatic 80's glam vibes to a breathtaking Mother Mary ensemble – talk about range! For each look, we carefully considered which backgrounds would complement the outfit and what lighting setup would best capture the mood she was going for.
80's Glam and Wind Machine Magic
The 80's-inspired outfit was pure fire! Black on Black, dramatic silhouettes, and attitude for days. We knew immediately that this look called for some serious glam lighting – the kind that creates those gorgeous, dramatic shadows and highlights that make everything pop.
But here's where things got really fun: we brought out the leaf blower! Yes, you read that right. Sometimes the best wind effects don't come from expensive equipment – sometimes they come from thinking outside the box. Watching Heide work with the artificial wind, hair and fabric flowing dramatically, was pure magic. The movement, the energy, the sheer joy of creating something beautiful together – this is why I love what I do.
When the Photographer Becomes Part of the Show
Now, here's where things got really interesting (and slightly embarrassing for me!). Heide brought along some extra wigs, and somehow – I'm still not entirely sure how this happened – I ended up trying one on. And you know what? I looked absolutely fabulous!
Don't believe me? Check out the reel on our Instagram for proof! It was one of those spontaneous moments that perfectly captured the spirit of the entire shoot. When you're having genuine fun with your clients, it shows in every single image.
We had moments of strutting, posing, laughing, and creating. The studio was filled with music, laughter, and the kind of creative energy that makes you remember why you fell in love with photography in the first place.
excuse the dodgy screen grab quality 🫣
More Than Just Photos
This shoot reminded me that while Zanzo Portraits is known for our family and pet photography, creativity knows no bounds. Whether I'm capturing a toddler's giggle, a family's love, or a drag queen's artistry, it's all about connecting with people and helping them shine.
The promotional images we created for Heide aren't just photos – they're a celebration of artistry, creativity, and the joy of being exactly who you are.
Behind the Scenes and Beyond
Keep an eye on our Instagram for more behind-the-scenes content from this incredible shoot. Trust me, there are plenty more laughs, creative moments, and maybe even a few more funny situations to share!
Sometimes the best shoots are the ones that push you out of your comfort zone and remind you that photography is about so much more than just pressing a button – it's about creating magic, one frame at a time.
Ready to create your own magic? Book yourself in or contact us for obligation-free consultation today!
