The One Where Rachel Is Pregnant
Paul Costello, a longtime friend, texted me: “What do you charge for a private shoot with a couple about to give birth?” I showed my wife, and she said, “He’s asking for advice on setting his rates.” I replied, “I don’t think so—it’s a referral.”
Paul introduced me to his New Orleans neighbors and good friends, Bryan and Rachel, who were expecting their first child. Rachel was very pregnant, so the assignment was urgent. I even added a “contraction clause” to my financial estimate with her husband.
I worked with Paul often in the late nineties, and he was certainly the most fun assistant ever worked with. He was also a hard worker, and matured into a talented and successful photographer in his own right.
I had been shooting personal portraits for years, but this was next level—a high-style, very pregnant subject, well outside my comfort zone. Arriving in New Orleans a few days early, I scouted locations, explored wardrobe, and got a feel for the couple’s vibe.
Paul told me that they call her “Ray Ray“ as she exudes a warmth and positivity everywhere she goes. Indeed, I could not have asked for a better collaborator. She was graceful, positive, and super fit. Pregnant women always look fantastic to me, but this was next level.
And I picked up that they were genuinely interested in surprising and creative portraits. Bryan is a collector of contemporary photography, including works by Pieter Hugo, Jill Greenberg, Gordon Parks and Sebastião Salgado. Clearly, I had the green light to go bold.
That said, I would’ve felt like I had done my job if I hadn’t delivered some warm and light-hearted photographs as well. It is certainly my practice to shoot a lot of set ups, with a wide range of approaches, so this was an obtainable task.
The connection through Paul, and his wife, Sara Ruffin Costello, had a surprising value that I did not foresee. They knew my work, as well as Rachel and Bryan, and so they acted as unofficial art directors. Paul’s on-set experience and Sara’s editorial and design background were invaluable in providing me a compass for the direction of the project.
Over two days, we shot ten setups. Among them was a reclining nude so rich and powerful that we’re keeping it private for the couple.
Top Image: All about eve. We mostly shot at the on the property of Dawn DeDeaux, a New Orleans-based artist who is active in nurturing creativity in the community. Using the space, you’re able to facilitate environmental and studio-based pictures, plus utilize some items on site as props for the shoot.
Second Image: Dusking shooting at a neighbor Vesta Fort’s pool.
Third Image: Top BTS photography by Paul Costello. His goal seemed to be to show Rachel at her best, and like Chris shoots naked.
Bottom Image: The dream team review the session on a laptop: Chris, Sara Ruffin Costello and Paul Costello. Photo by Vesta Fort.