The Uncommon: Daniel Shapiro, Photographer

Photography By: Daniel Shapiro

Last week, in my blog Together Everything Is Possible about the photo shoot and collaboration which took place at The RUINS I utilized images from Yunkin Keophomma. This week, I am sharing the images by photographer Daniel Shapiro. I love how you can have two talented photographers with utterly unique perspectives at one shoot.

Photography By: Daniel Shapiro

Daniel's shots remind me of the scenes in Pride and Prejudice where a beautiful house is being prepared to receive the people after their long stay elsewhere. It makes me think of the fact that many beautiful restaurants and institutions in the city do need to shake off a little bit of their dust in order to welcome in the new generation which has in recent years populated Seattle and begun to make the city their own.

Photography By: Daniel Shapiro

How will our city evolve and yet maintain what makes it so unique yet rid itself of its passive aggressive, slightly cold reputation? This poses a unique opportunity for the individuals who are helping these institutions to evolve and embrace a future that in many ways is already permeating the city. Daniel's photos showcase a new generation of sophistication and beauty which eagerly waits to be unveiled -- if only we will open our eyes to wonder hidden within the individuals who make up the fabric of this city.

Photography By: Daniel Shapiro       

Photography By: Daniel Shapiro

Keep an eye on the talented individuals raising the bar of sophistication in the city:

• Collaboration Producer: @uncommoncartography
• Photos: @danieljshapiro @yunkinkeophomma
• Behind The Scenes Photos: @greenteleaf
• Venue: @the_ruins
• Gowns: @belltown_bride @pmndesigner   , Justin Zachary Couture
• Event Design/Floral: @kalebnormanjames
• Makeup: @j0rdanr0ss @melissakornmakeupartist
• Hair: @makahmatt 
• Wardrobe Stylist: @julietandlou
• Jewelry: @shannonkoszyk / @namikoabloom 
• Food/Dessert: @the_ruins
• Champagne/Wine: @gruetwinery
• Stationery Suite: @greyandcake
• Models: @annavina10 @noellejohnsun @diana_jean_o @imsuzijane @rodasfeker, @_myfriendhanna   

The Fairest Ones

“Little by little, one travels far”  ― J.R.R. Tolkien

How utterly perfect that this blog is to be posted on Tolkien's birthday. His writings have been such a source of inspiration to me. I have always been jealous of his participation in The Inklings, an informal group of literary enthusiasts, which is included C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien who shared and each other's writings. You see there has always been a sort of magical power which happens when creatives combine their talents to craft and shape the world around them.

“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien

As I sit here writing and listening to Sleeping at Last, I am filled with a quiet sense of excitement and wonder that the artists in Seattle have begun to leave their siloed corners to join together on a journey to give something beautiful to the city and the world. They have individually been working under the radar, quite often thanklessly honing their talents, and cheering each other on, all the while waiting for the day when they will be revealed. Each of us has the ability to recognize that unique essence of a creative, even before they are admired by the press or the masses. We don't have to wait for these artists to gain mainstream recognition, we can support now those who magnify the beauty for the common good. We can support them with our words, and with our financial investment in them + their businesses, showing that we care and we value what they are doing.

“In this hour, I do not believe that any darkness will endure.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien

Artists are needed at this time, more than ever before. When people are divided, weary, and lonely this is when the power of art prevails. It allows us to see our life in the perspective of the past and the future. To see we are all interconnected, we do not live unto ourselves. We are empowered with the ability to lift up our fellow man. We can choose to be a hero in the story of our life. How often it is that the hero is not so dear to us because of the love he received, rather because of that which he selflessly gave.

“Oft hope is born when all is forlorn.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien

To those who continue to pursue their dreams in spite of the seeming odds, you are not alone. You are important. This is a love letter to who you are now and to who you are becoming. You see something, don't stop, don't give up until you release it into the world.

The BIGGEST of BIG thank you's to the incredibly beautiful and talented people who made this dream a reality. This blog contains the behind the scenes images, another blog post will be coming soon with the select final images from the Yunkin and Daniel:

• Photos: @danieljshapiro @yunkinkeophomma
• Behind The Scenes Photos: @greenteleaf
• Venue: @the_ruins
• Gowns: @belltown_bride @pmndesigner   , Justin Zachary Couture
• Event Design/Floral: @kalebnormanjames
• Makeup: @j0rdanr0ss @melissakornmakeupartist
• Hair: @makahmatt 
• Wardrobe Stylist: @julietandlou
• Jewelry: @shannonkoszyk / @namikoabloom 
• Food/Dessert: @the_ruins
• Champagne/Wine: @preceptwine 
• Stationery Suite: @greyandcake
• Models: @annavina10 @noellejohnsun @diana_jean_o @imsuzijane @rodasfeker @_myfriendhanna

The Uncommon: Andrea Alder, Editorial Stylist

Andrea Alder, Editorial Stylist, AndreaAlder.com (@andrea_alder) Top 4 Things To Know

• What project are you working on right now: Currently I am working on a marketing campaign for a new building going up on the waterfront, a fall editorial shoot at the end of the month, and the launch of Human Sound Inc.
• Who/What is currently inspiring you: I can't help being inspired by nature and the weather- I am ready to follow along with all the new colors and textures. I am also inspired by the NY Fashion Week street trends.
• Where are you originally from: Mexico, from a small town called Leon known for its leather goods!
• What is your comfort food: Homemade pizza with goat cheese!

The Uncommon: Curtis Bright, Menswear Blogger

Curtis Bright, Menswear Blogger, The Bright Report (@curtisbright ) Top 4 Things To Know

•  I'm really excited about working with two of my favorite brands later this month- Filson and Beckett & Robb. With Tiarra Sorte (@tiarrasorte) behind the camera, I can hardly wait to shoot this project!
• Right now I'm reading "Paul Newman: A Life."-He was a true Renaissance man - an actor, entrepreneur, activist, philanthropist, professional race car driver, and style icon. How can a person not be inspired by someone who accomplished so much in one lifetime?
• I’m originally from Alaska . My family moved to Seattle in 1996 where I’ve lived ever since. Growing up in colder climates explains why Fall/Winter is my favorite season for fashion. I’m used to having to layer up for most of the year.
• I am a huge fan of anything with broth and rice- Hot Pot, gumbo. There’s something about these dishes that satisfies my soul more than any other food.