2024: Ice Queens, Unleashed!

Give me a follow on Instagram, so it can be your turn to

experience your own empowering transformation.

 
Winter 2024 Zdarko Photography Ice Queens.

Frosted Fairytales, an Empowering Women's Photoshoot in Erie.

Have you ever dreamed of transforming into a fierce Ice Queen, commanding the power of winter itself? This February, I made that dream a reality for a group of incredible women...

The 2024 Ice Queen Campaign has come to a close, but these frozen Princesses (and Prince) are forever encapsulated in ice. The sessions were full of laughs, empowering vibes, and channeling their prowess to summon the powers around them.

 
 

Why I like this photoshoot concept:

Fantasy Meets Reality. Sure, these ladies aren't actually Ice Queens, but when they take on the persona on the surface, it becomes their own. Whether they chose to go a dark and serious queen, or a bright and lively version. We all have at one point felt cold, and not just Erie cold. I'm talking about the cold to ourselves, to our partners, to our family, to our friends, to the world. It's in these moments that help refine us as humans, as we have an opportunity to look inward and recenter our focus. The initial photoshoot concept was about embracing the solitude, and allowing women to evaluate what in their life is worth spending time on. However, I encouraged these ladies to make it their own, and I loved every minute of it.

Reality Meets Royalty. In some form, I encouraged the client to channel their inner queen, summon their minions, call upon their powers. Sure, it might sound silly, but it grants the opportunity to display their elegance. Once they were able to relax and have fun with it, is when their inner beauty was truly captured on camera.

About the photoshoot & clients.

Once these Ice queens warmed up to the camera, nothing but magic was captured! They got to engage and see my easy-going (albeit goofy) personality, it helped encourage their behavior to be bold. They all exuded 1000% more confidence by the end of the shoot, truly helping them feel empowered to simply be themselves.

Two of these shoots took place at Presque Isle State Park, and even though the temperature decided to be in the 30s-40s, with sunshine and a severe lack of snow and ice (What's up, February Erie?) - That didn't stop these ladies from being able to embrace the concept. Only one of these shoots had real snow, can you tell which one it was?

 

Meet the beautiful & amazing women rocking their inner Ice Queen photoshoot, well, like a Queen.

All three embodied their own version of the Ice Queen, as they all have their own story to tell.

P.S> How can I put extra emphasis around the "beautiful and amazing" portion?

 
Ice Queen Tiffany fully captivated in her moment of glamour.

Meet Tiffany.

Meet Tiffany, whose icy stare could freeze a blizzard in its tracks! But fear not, beneath that cool exterior lies a true collaborator. Tiffany came excited & prepared with a mood board and props that would make Elsa jealous, and together we weaved a frozen fairy tale, all while sharing laughs and embracing the silly. Beyond the photoshoot, I discovered a heart as warm as hot cocoa that could melt glaciers.

 
Ice Queen Stacy embracing the elements with serenity.

Meet Stacy.

Meet Stacy, the Ice Queen with a built-in hand warmer! Her trusty knight, David (aka boyfriend extraordinaire), bravely ventured into the snowy wilderness to lend moral (and physical) support during the shoot. Before & After, it was like watching a flower bloom through the ice with this duo. Their initial nervousness melted away as they embraced the Presque Isle backdrop, culminating in a complete Icy Metamorphosis. By the end, she radiated confident power that could rival a blizzard! Queen since childhood, I've known Stacy since our knee-high days. Years may have passed, but one thing remains constant: her unwavering authenticity. There's nothing more powerful than a woman who knows exactly who she is.

 
Glamour Ice Queen Becca blowing harnessing her snow-queen abilities

Meet Becca.

Meet Becca, the Ice Queen who throws snowballs like a blizzard throws punches! Her Fierce & Frozen gaze could crack a glacier, but don't be fooled. This Ice Queen has a playful side too. Embracing the Elements, Becca dove headfirst into the snow for some epic snowball battles, adding a touch of whimsical chaos to the shoot. It was a cold winter day, full of snow & ice, but she put on her bold face and captured some incredible images. Beyond the Freeze, I discovered Becca's burning passion for hair and makeup artistry – a fire that could melt the coldest heart (and probably style a yeti's mane). Her dream of running her own business definitely warmed the atmosphere during our shoot!

 
Chris Zdarko of Zdarko Photography Self Portrait

Meet Chris.

Maybe I don't have a frozen throne, but I do have a camera. I'm Chris, and instead of ruling an icy kingdom, I help amazing women become the Ice Queens they were always meant to be. Acting as the Hand to the Queen, I guide them through poses and expressions, helping them conquer camera anxieties and unlock their inner confidence. Each shoot is a unique collaboration, with the ladies bringing their visions of what "Ice Queen" means to them. My role? Capturing their strength, beauty, and newfound power through the lens. This project is a testament to the power within us all, waiting to be unleashed! 💞

 

Interested in a similar empowering shoot?

Try our "2024 Spring Wildflower Woman" Campaign.

Booking Now - Details in the blog post here:


Want to see the original blog post about the Ice Queen Campaign?

Blog post here:

Previous
Previous

Erie Family Photo Hacks: Capture Memories, Not Meltdowns (Seriously, No More Meltdowns!)

Next
Next

Capturing Memories: 10 Essential Tips to Prepare for a Perfect Family Portrait Session