Back in February of 2020, before the pandemic set in, I sat down for lunch with Cellist Journey Choi on the back patio of the Union Bear to discuss our upcoming collaboration. Although I had known her for many years, we were never very close. Journey has an infectious personality and we connected immediately. She trusted me 100% to create something edgy and new for her. Everyone who knows her knows she is a fearless, strong, and confident woman. She strives to push the envelope in the male-dominated music industry and is not afraid to break out from stereotypical ideals, especially those imposed upon classical musicians. She is a devoted wife and mother of two boys, an activist in her community, and a teacher who empowers her students with a love for her music and the cello. I knew this photoshoot had to be great!
Location, location, location!
The historic Cotton Mill in downtown McKinney was the perfect setting to showcase Journey and her amazing skills on both the acoustic and electric cellos. This place is a real hidden gem, full of character and history. We had to reschedule the photoshoot a few times due to the pandemic and that afforded me more time to plan and perfect my ideas. In addition to still photography, I decided to direct a short clip of Journey with the help of Rachael and Michael from VirtuReel Productions to fully showcase Journey’s musical skills and personality. I wanted to hear her music echo through the walls of the Cotton Mill, imagining her as a superwoman walking through this empty space, full of mystery, holding her bow and playing her electric cello in a battle against the forces of evil.
The project came together on July 20, 2020. Journey’s beauty and talent gave light to this old factory. I had goosebumps listening her play so passionately. The entire building vibrated under her bow. Even the birds started to fly…
