Kylee's AUX is a 12-month project that consist of 12 photoshoots, one for each month of 2023. These shoots are inspired by music: songs, album covers, and music videos. Music is one of the most powerful ways to tell a story. Music can gasp emotions. Music can alter your perspective. Music can inspire. For this project, I will take the stories told by 12 musical artists and visually tell these stories through photos. My name is Kylee Chua; I am a photographer and a visual storyteller. And this is Kylee’s AUX.
"my tears ricochet"
A photoshoot inspired by Folklore -Taylor Swift
Welcome to the first track of Kylee’s Aux. January’s collection is inspired by Taylor Swift’s song, “my tears ricochet,” from Folklore. Swift wrote a hauntingly beautiful song narrated by the ghost of a woman. The Ghost watches her murderer, whom she had once loved, attend her funeral.
This photoshoot tells the Ghost's story in three scenes—The Woods, The Lake, and The Field—each of these scenes presents the stages/emotions the ghost experiences.
The Woods
"I didn't have it in myself to go with grace"
My goal for this shoot was to tell a story through emotions. I wanted to make sure that you could feel the Ghost's feelings in each scene. I used body language, like holding on to herself, to visually hint at what the Ghost, Abigail, is feeling. Instead of directly posing Abigail, I gave her scenarios to act out:
"Pretend you still feel his hands on your arm; gently show me where he once held you."
"Pretend you are watching over your funeral; count how many people are here."
"Pretend to be so ashamed, and you can't even look at me."
These scenarios created a feeling of insecurity, timidness, and hopelessness. Abigail was able to become this ghost and connect to her emotions truly.
The Ghost feels lost; she is uncertain of the future. I used the woods to create the feeling of being trapped. At this moment, the Ghost is still attached to her former lover despite how mistreated she was. That's the hard part of a toxic relationship; it's difficult to leave.
I love how the trees create a prison for the Ghost. The tall trunks look like metal bars.
The second photo above may look familiar. This shot was inspired by the Folklore album cover.
The Lake
"Look at how my tears ricochet"
The Ghost transitions from The Woods to The Lake as she realizes she needs to move on.
She wants to break free.
She's ready to leave everything in her past behind.
She accepts the unacceptable, and this makes her strong.
"And if I'm dead to you, why are you at the wake?
Cursing my name, wishing I stayed
Look at how my tears ricochet" -Taylor Swift
The Ghost's eyes are open. She's now looking forward. The Lake is her awakening.
There are changes in the poses. I had Abigail start small. She's holding onto her legs with her head down. In the second photo, her arms have let go of the tight grip. Then in the final photo, her body has opened more, and she is looking straight at the camera.
In front of her is this huge lake. The new scenery represents a new opportunity. The ghost is ready to let go and move on.
The Field
"And I can go anywhere I want"
"But what a ghostly scene" -Taylor Swift
I remember being a kid and thinking about what I would do if I was a ghost. I imagined my ghost self roaming endlessly, watching over those I knew; the possibilities were endless. While this story may seem to be a depressing one, I see a happy ending.
As a ghost, you are free. There is no one holding you back.
The Ghost is finally her own person. She's not held back by anyone or her past.
"You wear the same jewels that I gave you" -Taylor Swift
"You had to kill me, but it killed you just the same" -Taylor Swift
We used lots of movement, like running and swaying her arms, to show freedom. You may have also noticed a change of clothes. Abigail is now wearing a shorter dress, with her sleeves flowing.
There is a new feeling of confidence. She finds peace with herself. The Field is a breath of fresh air.
The Ghost
Abigail Roden | IG @abigailr0den
I want to say thank you to my friend, Abigail. When I had the idea for this shoot and was looking for a model, Abigail was the first person who came to mind. Abigail is the most faithful "Swifty" I know :).
Thank you, Abigail! Thank you for waking up early and bearing the cold to help me with this shoot. This was so much fun. Thank you for bringing my idea to life.
This is the first shoot of Kylee's AUX, and my first blog (how'd I do?). Look out for Track 2 in February; I got some fun stuff planned.
Check out my Instagram, @kyleewithacamera, for more of my work.
Below are more photos from "my tears ricochet."
