This project began with an idea - let's do something different....create studio portraits near the start of this epic annual celebration, just before the parade began. With so many great characters joining thecarnival atmosphere it was bound to be a visual playground.  
Just two weeks before the parade I contacted the Director at the Summer Solstice Celebration with the idea. With her assistance it came together quickly: an artist offered his great metalworking studio right at the start of the parade while Samys Camera provided the lighting and grip gear.    
The day before the parade, my assistant and I set up the studio. We did not really know how many people to expect and the lighting had to be perfect and flexible. The following morning we welcomed over 100 beautiful individuals over the course of four hours before they launched into the parade and festivities.   
These are their images.