Film Friendship Photoshoot at Gilsland Farm Audubon

I first met Miranda when I put out a model call for a 70s style photoshoot last year. Since then I’ve followed along her social media journey and friendship with her two podcast co-hosts, Shayla and Karli. I knew I needed to reach out to photograph their modern friendship in a Christy Dawn inspired session. They happily agreed and we went to planning together. In July, we met at Gilsland Farm Audubon in Falmouth to turn the idea into reality. I brought along several film cameras and together we collaborated on this friendship//girlhood shoot.

A quiet outdoor photo location near Portland, Maine

Gilsland Farm Audubon in Falmouth, Maine, provided the perfect location for this session that celebrated modern friendship and girlhood. I’ve always loved the ecological diversity at Gilsland Farm - from the goldenrod, to wildflowers, forests, pond, and grassy fields. These diverse backdrops allowed us to capture different ideas at the preserve. As we wandered through the trails, the sunlight filtering through the trees added a magical touch to the atmosphere, making it an ideal setting for capturing the essence of their friendship. There was lots of slow running, laughing, twirling, and chatting as I set about photographing their friendship.

I loved how they kept coming up with ideas to try! I was 100% down to get creative and try new prompts - photographing the prompts and the breakdown of those prompts as well. It was easy to see their friendship as they made each other laugh, twirled around, and talked in references and anecdotes about their podcast. Gilsland Farm is a relatively quiet sanctuary outside the city of Portland. I am always amazed by this hidden gem, which creates a quiet space for free-spirited photos.

Documenting Girlhood

The inspiration for this shoot was rooted in the sustainable fashion brand, Christy Dawn. Her designs evoke a sense of simplicity, friendship, and connection to the earth, which aligned perfectly with the vision for this session. Documenting girlhood, especially in this digital age, feels more important than ever. Miranda, Karli, and Shayla, though in their early 20s, embodied the spirit of girlhood—full of creativity, joy, and a deep sense of connection to one another.

Throughout the session, I focused on capturing both the lighthearted and introspective moments. There were times when the three of them would burst into laughter, and other quiet, more intimate moments. I also did individual portraits as part of the session - important to document their connection, but also their individualism.

Photographing Friendship

One of the most rewarding aspects of this session was capturing the genuine friendship between Miranda, Karli, and Shayla. Despite having met recently online, their connection felt deep and authentic. Their shared passion for reclaiming the internet and using it for good was a common thread that united them, and their friendship is a testament to the power of meaningful connections in the digital age. Photographing friendship is always a special experience, but this session had an added layer of significance. The girls' podcast is all about navigating the complexities of the online world, and their friendship is a reflection of the positive impact that the internet can have when used with intention.

As they laid on the grass, looking up at the sky and chatting about life, I was reminded of the simplicity and beauty of friendship. It’s in these quiet moments, when the world seems to fade away, that true connection is found. Miranda, Karli, and Shayla’s friendship is a reminder that even in a world dominated by social media and online interactions, real, meaningful connections are still possible.

This session at Gilsland Farm Audubon was more than just a photoshoot—it was a celebration of friendship, girlhood, and the power of connection. Through the lens of film photography, I was able to document not just moments, but memories that will last a lifetime.