"Trash The Dress"

This project is commonly known as “Trash The Dress”. The concept is highlighted at a website called www.trashthedress.com. I am going to be very up front and tell you that the reactions I have had so far have been on one side or the other, NOBODY IN THE MIDDLE. The first shoot we did with a prom gown, which does fit the concept, shows that you don’t have to ruin the dress to make the concept work. In some cases, the term “trash” in trash the dress is a little harsh and can be misleading, as you’ll discover!

You should click on the tab at the top of the TTD site “Why trash the dress!” or click here to see it directly!. It offers an explanation of the concept and some comments, both pro and con, on the idea!
I showed this site to several brides to be, couples who used us for their special day and other customers in our area, and I’ve got to tell you, it’s generated quite a stir.

Several clients HATED, LOATHED AND DESPISED the concept! Comments included:
“My dress represents too much to have it abused like that!”
“Just because you can do it, doesn’t mean you have to!”
“Who in their right mind would put a burning wedding dress in an album to remember their special day?” (one example on the site has a gown that actually looks like it’s on fire..a little radical for even little old me!)

Others said:
“Love this idea…it’s different!”
“It turns my event into true art!”
“You don’t have to kill it, just mess it up a little!”

The ones that like this idea, REALLY like it!

It’s even amazing to me that there are some people in the photography/modeling business that don’t understand the concept and blast it! It doesn’t have to be your cup of tea. The reason we use the models we do for this project is because they have bought into the concept and have even helped with ideas to make it great.

We do this project for four reasons:

First, we are having a blast doing it. So many people don’t do the things they enjoy for many reasons. We made a pledge long ago to avoid that kind of thinking.

Second, because it’s different. We have prided ourselves on doing things different than other photographers, and so we will!

Third, I found the right people to get the job done. we just didn’t pick anybody for this project! Lots of factors went into choosing who we have captured for this project. In all candor, we salute them, because the concept is so different from anything shot in our area...thanks go to them for buying into the concept and making the project a real howl! Also, while they came up with some of the ideas you see, you need to remember that the models we used follow my direction. In short, any criticism of the project should be directed to me, rather than to the ladies, and our Trash The Tux model as well!!

Fourth, you may not like the idea, BUT IF IT GIVES YOU AN IDEA FOR SOMETHING THAT IS DIFFERENT, SOMETHING YOU DIDN’T THINK ABOUT BEFORE AND THAT FITS YOU AND YOUR SITUATION, THEN WE HAVE ACCOMPLISHED OUR GOAL!!!

When we started this set of sessions, we decided that just putting the gown in a situation that it wouldn’t be in normally and not mess it up was an option (one we did rather nicely BTW with Melissa), but that we would also push the envelope and actually mess the gown up physically.

While we are on the subject of cleaning the gown up, Mike Toto at Chubbys Cleaners took our gown after one very messy shoot that involved mud caked thru the train, motor oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid and axle grease. He cleaned all of that junk out of it!!!! Thanks to Mike and the staff! You can actually see the before and after shots in the front window by the dor at Chubbys Cleaners at the corner of Third and Locust Streets, in Clearfield!!!

The bottom line is, it’s not for everybody, but the ones that is right for, IT’S SO RIGHT FOR! Our position is we work for the client and their needs, so if this doesn’t appeal to you…not a problem. We understand and respect that!!!

Our thanks to Murray Lilley Trucking for helping us out with some of the logistics!!!

Also thanks to our wonderful models, Clearfield and Dubois Fire Companies, Glen Richey Vol. Fire Company, Glen Richey, PA, Hyde Vol. Fire Company, Hyde, PA and Curwensville Rescue Hose and Ladder Company out of Curwensville, PA for allowing us to be apart of their hands on fire safety training!.

I’d love to hear your comments, good and bad, on this issue. Our hope is that even if you hate it, you’ll think outside the traditional for your photography....something we’ve always embraced!