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On the final day of summer, we ventured north to capture our summer campaign with Maegan McDowell, marking a beautiful moment of expansion for Ostara. This shoot welcomed our newest practitioner, Naturopath and Herbalist, Renee.
For this journal entry, Iris, Maegan, and Renee sat down to reflect on the experience, sharing their perspectives on the day, and the energy that was created.
What inspired the summer campaign?
Iris: This campaign was largely inspired by the location itself, Land of the Lotus, and Maegan’s previous work shooting here. We wanted each practitioner to authentically represent their energy and offerings, so we gave them space to create and dream up their own visions, drawing from and collaborating on our base mood board by Creative Director, Jess Pearson.
The mood board is a soft, nature-immersed dreamscape, where femininity, connection, and healing intertwine. Themes of ritual and presence in nature were important to us, it wasn’t just about capturing photos of offerings, but embodying a feeling that could be felt through the images.
How did it feel being on set that day?
Maegan: I always love being at Land of the Lotus, it’s such a lush space. There was a slight anticipation feeling within me, as I knew the Astrology that day was a little bumpy (Mars was square Uranus) so I wasn’t sure how this would play out. But being true to Pisces Season and going with the flow of things, the heavens opened up and cleansed us all with quite a lot of rain! Needless to say it was quite a different vibe, but still a tropical one.
Iris: The day was filled with both moments of hope and moments of fear, as the sun revealed and hid behind rain clouds on the drive to Whangarei. Mercury was retrograding through Pisces, so of course nothing went to plan! Our mood board was tossed to the side, as we ran around the lotus farm with wet gowns, garden furniture and crystal singing bowls. We made the best we could of the wild weather and astrological influence, giggling in disbelief as we huddled under car boots, and waited for pockets of rain to pass.
What did this experience teach you about yourself?
Maegan: With the challenges of the weather it was truly about trusting my own instincts, trusting I’m not meant to have control all the time, and to open my third eye to different possibilities (as a photographer). It was also just fun seeing everyone in the rain and simply laughing at the state of us! A reminder to let go a little which I think we all need reminding of.
Iris: This experience grounded me into my confidence as a leader and coordinator. It highlighted my ability to stay calm in chaos and make decisions quickly. I also felt connected to the song “Singin’ in the Rain”, finding little moments of joy and silliness as I danced in my gumboots in between coordinating. I really enjoyed stepping into supporting our growing team of wellness practitioners.
Renee: To go with the flow, we can only plan so much, and the rest is out of our hands. Trust.
Is there a feeling or message you hope comes through in the final images?
Renee: Calm. Presence.
Maegan: It feels abundant to me, each woman specialising in her craft and service, there is an invitation to want to know more, be involved with it. I suppose that’s what I wish, that you want to experience what Renee and Ostara is offering.
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