Welcome to "Reel to Real"

Welcome to "Reel to Real," a blog series where I blend my passion for movies and photography into creative visual projects. In each post, I’ll be taking inspiration from iconic films and bringing them to life through unique photoshoots. This first post will introduce you to the concept behind the series, showcase the process of our latest shoot inspired by the Barbie movie, and give you a glimpse of what’s coming next. Join me on this journey as we explore the magic of cinema through the lens of a camera.

The Inspiration Behind "Reel to Real"


As a film school dropout, my journey has taken a few unexpected turns, but my love for movies and photography has always been a constant. While I didn’t finish film school, the time I spent there deepened my appreciation for the art of visual storytelling. I realized that my passion wasn’t just for the moving images on the screen, but also for the moments, the aesthetics, and the emotions that could be captured in a single frame.


"Reel to Real" is my way of blending these two worlds—cinema and photography—into something uniquely my own. Each episode of this series is about taking the elements I love most about movies and reinterpreting them through the lens of a camera. Whether it’s the bold colors of Barbie or the intricate dreamscapes of Inception, I’m excited to bring these stories to life in a way that’s both familiar and fresh. This series is as much about exploring my creative journey as it is about celebrating the films that have inspired me along the way.

White railing balcony view with pink tinted filter effect.
Pink flamingo float resting on a balcony with striped umbrellas in sunny setting.

First Episode: Barbie



For the debut episode of "Reel to Real," I drew inspiration from Greta Gerwig's reimagined Barbie, a film that artfully blends nostalgia with a modern twist. Gerwig’s vision, combined with the striking cinematography by Rodrigo Prieto, created a visual feast that perfectly captured the essence of Barbie’s world. I wanted to bring that same energy into my photoshoot, focusing on the playful yet empowering vibe that Gerwig and Prieto brought to the screen.


The Local in St. Augustine Florida, served as the ideal backdrop for this project. Its vibrant pink tones and retro-inspired décor mirrored the colorful world of Barbie while providing a fresh, contemporary setting. To enhance the iconic Barbie pink and add a layer of softness to the images, I used a 'Rose' filter from PrismLensFX. This filter not only accentuated the bold hues but also gave the photos a dreamy, ethereal quality that echoed the film's whimsical and fantastical elements.


Throughout the creative process, I carefully selected props, outfits, and poses that would encapsulate the spirit of Barbie, while also infusing a modern twist. The goal was to capture the timeless charm of Barbie while paying homage to the fresh perspective that Gerwig and Prieto brought to the character. This first episode is all about celebrating the enduring appeal of Barbie, reinterpreted for today’s audience with a blend of classic and contemporary styles.

Rose Filter
Someone relaxing on a pink flamingo pool float with striped umbrellas in the background.
Person relaxing on a pink pool float in bright turquoise swimming pool water, viewed from above.
Summer fashion photo featuring heart-shaped sunglasses and white dress against pink backdrop.
A fun summer pose in a white dress and pink sneakers against a coral-colored wall with tropical designs.
Retro-styled photoshoot on motel balcony with white summer dress and heart sunglasses.
A retro-inspired photo of someone in a white dress and sunglasses posing in front of a pink St. Augustine welcome sign.
A relaxed pose on a pink flamingo pool float with black and white striped umbrellas overhead.
Aerial view of swimming pool with striped umbrellas and pink float, surrounded by palm trees and pavement.
Pink-tinted vintage motel interior with St. Augustine welcome sign.
Someone in a white sundress poses cheerfully against a pink wall with flamingo designs in St. Augustine.
Someone in a striped swimsuit poses poolside against a pink and white striped wall.
Someone in heart-shaped sunglasses laughs while enjoying a pink flamingo pool float.
Playful summer portrait with heart-shaped sunglasses against pink-tinted background.
A summery poolside scene with someone lounging on a pink flamingo float under striped umbrellas.
Pink and white retro motel exterior with railings and tropical plants.
Someone makes an excited expression while wearing retro sunglasses and a white dress against a pink backdrop.
White balcony railing with pink-tinted filter creating dreamy atmosphere.
Vintage-style photoshoot in white dress against pink motel backdrop.
Aerial view of person lounging on pink inflatable float in blue swimming pool next to tiled edge.
A joyful summer pool photo featuring someone on a pink flamingo float under striped umbrellas.

The Gallery