There is a jewel of small town nestled in the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains in Arkansas. I am partial to the area because I was born there. It is a vacation town for many and a retirement community for others. But for those that are fortunate to live there year-round or for their entire lives, well, they are really the fortunate ones.
From mountain top vistas to foggy morning valleys and pristine lakes between, it really is a photographer’s paradise.
For the second destination trip this summer I took a few of my models to this beautiful natural wonderland. Like all my destination trips we shot 3 different looks, or styles if you will.
I think it’s just about all little girls dream to be a fairy princess in a story book. Whether it be Snow White, Rapunzel or Cinderella, it’s something they grow up dreaming about. So, we brought it to real life! The girls created their own looks, with help from the photographers and we shot in a picturesque location with waterfalls, rivers and lakes. The only thing missing was Prince Charming. Next time!
For the second look we shifted gears and traveled over to Garvan Botanical Gardens. This is probably one of my favorite places to explore, hike and just spend time at in the Hot Springs area. Garvan Gardens is a nature preserve funded and designed by Fay Jones School of Architecture at the University of Arkansas. It’s amazing to trek through this 50-acre natural wonderland and get lost. What’s even more spectacular is during the wintertime, during Christmas, they turn it into one of the state’s most exquisite Christmas light displays. It’s worth a weekend trip just to go visit during this time of year.
Rounding out the day we shot downtown in the Historical Bathhouse District. Since the architecture of this area goes back to mid-century a Retro look was the style of choice.
Can’t wait for our next Destination trip planned for December, 2021!