Photo Diary: Jake Joiner at BITCHCRAFT HQ

Q&APhoto

Jul 5

Photos By Jake Joiner, Glam By Erica Martens, Styling By Nadya Laska, Production Design By Alexis Vergara & Scenic Painting By Kaden Maloney

BRINGING AN EXTRADORARY VISION TO LIFE WITH EACH SHOOT - Jake Joiner has the ability to take you into a new world with his photos. Featured in our 15th Issue, his latest series at BITCHCRAFT HQ takes us into a seemingly simple box, though the photos are so much more than that to say the least. Incorporating a variety of angles and incredible outfits, Joiner and his team put a spin on your typical shot, bringing that extra bit of edge to keep our eyes glued to each image. With a love for film because of its intentional nature, Joiner thoroughly plans out his shoots to make the most of each frame, while ensuring some room for fun and creativity.

Read below to learn more about the shoot, what Joiner has coming up and more.

Shirt: VintageSkirt: Brock Collection — *Shirt: Vintage*
*Skirt: Brock Collection*

LUNA: How has quarantine impacted your typical creative process?

JOINER: All of my work is very collaborative so what ended up happening was I became very close with a couple other creatives and worked almost exclusively within the bubble we created. I pretty much always have a dialogue going with Erica Martens and Nadya Laska about different photo ideas. Along with Alexis Vergara, Kaden Maloney, and Rachel Cole who all work together on the production design and construction.

LUNA: I love all the angles going into and inspiring the shoot. Visually, were there any other key inspirations that sparked this shoot?

JOINER: This shoot came from bouncing ideas around with the stylist Nadya, it kind of steamed off another idea we want to revisit. However once we were all on set we thought it had an “Alice in Wonderland” vibe.

LUNA: Can you share a favorite moment from the shoot?

JOINER: The box that Alexis built was 4’x4’x8’ and heavy. Half way through the shoot we decided to flip it up onto its side. Alexis wasn't on set but we had to call her in for the extra muscle to flip it. I’m glad we did because I feel like the photos with the box standing upright are the stronger images.

LUNA: Which shot are you most proud of?

JOINER: I’m really happy with this portrait of Camila. I shot the entire series on a fisheye lens which can sometimes be a tough lens to get flattering portraits with. I think this photo captures a great look from Camila and you get a great sense of everyone's work here. It's tight enough that we can see HMU in detail but we still get a sense of the wardrobe and the space.

LUNA: What do you like most about shooting film over digital?

JOINER: One aspect of shooting film that I love is the physical aspect. When I show up to a set with a limited number of frames to shoot I have to be a lot more focused and plan out my day a little more. I feel like I create better work because I have to be much more intentional with every frame.

Long Sleeve Shirt: Isa BoulderTank: Charlotte KnowlesCorset: Abi EnglishShoes: GanniSocks: Chopova Lowena — *Long Sleeve Shirt: Isa Boulder*
*Tank: Charlotte Knowles*
*Corset: Abi English*
*Shoes: Ganni*
*Socks: Chopova Lowena*

LUNA: You always work with the most incredible models - can you talk a little bit about what this process is like and the value of those collaborations?

JOINER: Picking the models is another very collaborative part of the process for me. Once we have a concept nailed down Nadya, Erica and I will all make suggestions and we take a lot into consideration. Depending on the shoot we may want to go with a more experienced model who has great movement and can find unique poses with ease. Or we may want a less experienced model.

LUNA: Aside from camera equipment and the like, what’s a MUST HAVE in your camera bag?

Gloves: Louise Lyngh BjerregaardBra: Chopova LowenaDress: Kim ShuiGarter & Socks: Isa BoulderShoes: Valentino — *Gloves: Louise Lyngh Bjerregaard*
*Bra: Chopova Lowena*
*Dress: Kim Shui*
*Garter & Socks: Isa Boulder*
*Shoes: Valentino*

JOINER: Blue monster energy drink.

LUNA: What do you hope the upcoming months have in store for you?

JOINER: I’ve done a lot of music, fashion, and experimental videos over the past couple years. This summer I hope to finally shoot a short narrative film that I’ve been working on.

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“There's no part of me where I'm denying it or I'm ashamed or I don't want to represent that, but I think just some things should go unspoken and just let the art speak. You don't have to say someone is this, someone is that. Just listen to my music & come up with your own conclusion. That is so freeing to know that I'm not having to adhere to any type of category, genre. I'm just me. I'm a person sharing my experiences & living my life. I don't ever want to be boxed in that way. “ - Deb Never in our 15th Issue 🌟 Photos by @myyaaii Styling by @savwhite Interview by @itssophielol

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