Reel to Real: Little Women


For this latest episode of Reel to Real, I had the chance to take on a story that’s incredibly important to my fiancée, Carrie. Little Women isn’t just another book on our shelf it’s her favorite, and we have multiple copies to prove it! The story’s themes of family, personal growth, and the quiet moments of reflection resonate deeply with both of us, and that’s what we wanted to capture in this photoshoot.

Why Little Women?


The idea for this Reel to Real project came naturally. Carrie’s love for Little Women was the driving force behind it, and we wanted to create something that honored the spirit of the story while adding our own personal touch. The characters in Little Women—especially Jo and Meg—are all about forging their own paths, embracing change, and staying connected to family. These are themes we relate to, making the project feel more like a journey than just a photoshoot.

Person in flowing red dress twirling on path with castle-like buildings in background.
Red vintage hardcover book lying on bed of small pebbles and stones.

Choosing the Location:

Mackinac Island


When it came time to choose a location, Mackinac Island was an obvious choice. Its timeless charm, Victorian architecture, and natural beauty made it the perfect setting to bring the world of Little Women to life. The island’s peaceful atmosphere and rich history helped set the tone for the reflective, nostalgic mood we wanted to capture.


We shot in a few different spots, including the Grand Hotel’s gardens and along the shoreline at sunset. These settings gave us the perfect blend of elegance and simplicity, much like the world the March sisters lived in.

Silhouetted figures walking down hill path with church spire and coastal town in distance.

Creative Direction &

Carrie's Influence


Carrie’s passion for Little Women played a huge role in shaping the creative direction of this project. From the beginning, she had a clear vision of how she wanted the shoot to feel—intimate, nostalgic, and full of warmth. It was important to both of us that we captured the quiet moments that define the story, so we leaned into natural light and subtle compositions to tell the story visually.


One of the key shots we planned was inspired by Jo’s independent spirit, reflected in moments of quiet contemplation by the water. These moments of solitude are essential to Little Women and were important for us to capture in a way that felt real and honest.

Behind the Lens:

Bringing It All Together


Surprisingly, we did most of this shoot during midday, which you wouldn’t expect from the soft, golden look of the final photos. To achieve that, I used a Nostalgia filter from PrismLensFX—it's like a yellow pro mist filter that blooms the highlights and gives everything that warm, cinematic glow. Even with the midday sun, the filter helped to soften the light and create the cozy, nostalgic feel we were going for.

I relied on my 70-200mm lens for those moments when I wanted compression to bring the background in closer, creating that intimate, cinematic vibe. For the wider shots, I switched to my 24-70mm lens to capture more of the landscape and the beautiful settings on Mackinac Island. Together, the combination of lenses and the Nostalgia filter allowed me to balance the technical aspects with the story-driven feel of the project.

 

Person reading book outside vintage bookstore with decorative window display.
Person in red dress holding book triumphantly by waterfront during golden hour.
A person in a flowing red dress and beige coat poses on a beach with the Mackinac Bridge at sunset.

Reflecting on the Experience



This Reel to Real project was about more than just reimagining a beloved classic—it was a way to connect with a story that means so much to Carrie and me. Little Women is all about embracing who you are, finding strength in your journey, and cherishing the moments with the people you love. I hope these photos convey just a small part of that spirit.


If you haven’t seen the full Reel to Real episode yet, be sure to check it out down below! And stay tuned for more episodes—there’s plenty more inspiration coming soon.

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A figure in a burgundy dress stands in a garden of purple flowers with a historic building in the background.
A silhouetted tree stands against a bright sky with people relaxing underneath.

Full Gallery

Figure in a red dress stands among purple flowers with a grand white building visible through autumn trees.
A figure dances in a twirling red dress on a scenic path near historic buildings.
A solitary tree silhouettes against a bright sky overlooking a serene waterfront landscape.
Reader in red dress daydreaming while holding book on elevated deck overlooking water.
A majestic bare tree stands alone in a grassy field with autumn foliage in the background.
Person in a flowing red dress and beige coat holding a book by the waterfront at dusk.
A red hardcover book held up against a dusky waterfront background.
Person in red dress waving while standing on sunny beach with book.
Person in red dress reading book on pebbly beach with sparkling water in background.
A person in a flowing red dress spins on a path leading to the Grand Hotel.
A figure in a red dress and gray coat walks along a shoreline at dusk with a bridge in the distance.
Person in flowing red dress walking with book along autumn path at sunset.
Person in vintage-style red dress reading book while relaxing on wooden deck bench.
A figure in a red dress twirls joyfully on a path with historic architecture in the background.
Person in red dress reading by the shoreline on sunny day.
Reader in red dress enjoying book on elevated wooden deck with scenic coastal view.
A figure in a flowing red dress stands dramatically by the water's edge, holding a book aloft against a sparkling lake backdrop.
Person in red dress thoughtfully gazing into distance while holding book on wooden deck during sunset.
A silhouette of a reader framed against the Mackinac Bridge at sunset.
Person smiling while reading hardbound book on rustic wooden deck.
A reader stands against the sunset with a bridge silhouetted in the background.
Someone holds a vintage red book up close to their face while reading outdoors.
A person in a red dress walks along a path leading to the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island.
A person reads a book outside Island Book Store with vintage storefront signage visible.
A red hardbound book rests on a bed of smooth river stones.
A figure browses through a book at Island Book Store with reflective window display.
Person in red dress sitting peacefully on beach while reading book.
A vintage tower with an American flag rises above flowering gardens in soft afternoon light.
A scenic view of the Mackinac Bridge at sunset with a person in a red dress and beige coat walking on the beach.