This is one of my stills from “A Fairy’s Tale” taken a week ago in my favorite tree in Hong Kong. That’s right, a tree! Banyan, to be exact. From the sign posted, it was originally either a Tin Hau temple or a study hall. Following an imperial edict in the Qing dynasty, the original owners vacated the land leaving behind this building. Over time the nearby banyan tree became completely entangled with the structure. You can still see the brickwork in between the roots, and the door frame of the building. They just don’t make ‘em like they use to, eh? :)

Click below for behind the scenes.

This is the actual tree! That dark “hole” leads to one of the inner rooms. Look closely and you’ll see the original brick work.

Shooting “A Fairy’s Tale” was a bit challenging, not only because of the (lack of) available light, but getting into position! Most of the stills were shot with me somewhere up the tree (next to a hornet’s nest, nonetheless). Never let it be said that I don’t go to great lengths to get my shot :)

The pair of legs you see dangling, that would be me. My torso is lost somewhere between the roots/branches/flora.

Slightly blurry, but you get the picture! That’s my slightly bent shoot-through umbrella in there and SB-600 :)

Thanks to Andrea for the behind the scenes pictures, and for helping out with my shoot. Philippa for being the most amazing fairy, putting up with my barking instructions like a drill sergeant and as per usual, my insane ideas. (“Hey, why don’t you climb up next to this here hornet’s nest, barefoot and in a skimpy dress? Oh it’s winter? no biggie.)

AAAANND, a much belated thank you to Sean for getting me photoshop, lightroom, shooting with me in the middle of the night, and scavenging for photo gear.

I *heart* you all :)

(photo texture by Princess of Shadows)