Leelo at Tanglesprings

Leelo and I spent an unforgettable day at the white box studio, nestled in the serene beauty of Tanglesprings at Indian Lake, Mankato, Minnesota. The studio, surrounded by the tranquil preservation area, offered the perfect backdrop for creativity to thrive.

Her blend of enthusiasm and professionalism elevated the session to something truly special. Together, we riffed off each other’s musical tastes, the energy of the space fueling our ideas as we crafted a series of striking and evocative looks. The interplay of light, shadow, and emotion brought our vision to life.

We began in the studio with a dramatic ensemble: a brown plaid dress paired with knee-high satin leather stiletto boots and a leather top hat. The textures and layers of this look exuded a vintage elegance, perfectly framed by the clean simplicity of the White Box backdrop.

Transitioning to the floor, Leelo embraced a daring aesthetic. She wore a white striped shirt, knee-high socks, and little else, bringing vulnerability and strength to the topless frames. The starkness of the setting amplified the raw intimacy of this look.

From there, we ventured outside to the sprawling grounds of Tanglesprings. Against a backdrop of high winds and near-freezing temperatures, Leelo donned a pink flowing gown with an intricate shawl. The elements became part of the narrative, as the wind captured the gown and transformed the cold into a tangible, dramatic force within each frame.

We ended back inside the studio with a conceptual, avant-garde twist. Fully nude and wearing a jester’s mask, Leelo brought an enigmatic energy to the session. Dug, the studio cat, made a cameo appearance, adding a touch of spontaneity and warmth to the otherwise surreal composition.

Each look told a story, drawing on the contrasts between control and chaos, structure and freedom. The day felt like a conversation between artist and muse, one where every detail—from the wind’s bite to Dug’s quiet curiosity—found its place in the final imagery.