How Photographic Creativity & Imagination Can Lead to Big Awards

When I photographed Mushka, it wasn’t for a competition or a client. It was just a creative day spent with my longtime friend and model, Jackie Apple. I’ve known Jackie for years, and she always brings character and soul to every image. That day, she brought in her two pet rats, and as soon as I saw them together, I sensed something special was about to happen.

Right away, I noticed how gently and playfully she handled her pets. That mix of care and humor sparked my creativity. I’ve always enjoyed mixing elegance with the unexpected, finding beauty in surprising places. The thought of a Marie Antoinette-style portrait with a rat on her head just felt fun and different. Those unusual combinations are what excite me most.

© Laura Dark – Professional Photographers of America Image Excellence Selection “Mushka”

We embraced the whimsy with a powdered wig, pastel pinks, cascading pearls, and soft, floral elements. The styling had all the sweetness of Rococo portraiture, but with a touch of humor. When Jackie’s rat perched confidently among the curls and feathers, the image came alive. It felt cinematic, both beautiful and a little bizarre, and I knew we had created something truly unique.

“For me, every portrait starts with emotion”

With Mushka, it was all about the bond, not between model and photographer, but between Jackie and her pet. I wanted people to feel that gentle affection without making it look silly. Jackie’s soft expression made the scene feel real and brought warmth to all the fantasy details.

The setup was intentionally simple. I used Westcott lighting in a clamshell configuration to create an even, glowing light that flatters skin and brings out texture. My Canon EOS R5, paired with a Sigma 105mm f/1.4 Art lens, allowed me to capture sharp details in every strand of hair, every pearl, and every whisker. I set the camera to about f/8, 1/125 sec, and ISO 100, which gave me full depth while keeping the look soft and romantic.

To separate Jackie from the background, I added a faint backlight that created a halo around her hair and feathers. It subtly lifted her out of the pink backdrop and gave that luminous edge you’d see in an old master painting.

In post-production, I focused on enhancing tone and texture instead of transforming the image. The color palette remained pastel and cohesive, with skin tones that were gently smoothed but not overly retouched. I wanted it to feel painterly, like an oil portrait seen through modern lighting.

I didn’t plan to enter Mushka in the competition. It was just one of those images that made me smile, so I included it among my entries. To my surprise, it was the one that connected with people the most. Judges laughed, smiled, and leaned closer to see the details. Some said it reminded them of surrealist art, while others found it charming.

That reaction meant a lot because Mushka wasn’t born from perfection; it came from play. It reminded me that art doesn’t always need to be serious or meticulously planned. Sometimes, the joy of creating is what resonates most.

Jackie and I spent half the session laughing as the rats climbed through the curls and props. We were constantly adjusting pearls and coaxing the little stars of the photo to sit still. Those genuine moments of chaos and fun ultimately gave the final image its soul. You can feel that spontaneity when you look at it.

Mushka reaffirmed something I try to carry into every session: magic happens when you let go of control. I love crafting elaborate sets and couture-style concepts, but this portrait reminded me that connection always comes first.

You can have perfect lighting, wardrobe, and styling, but if there’s no emotion, the image doesn’t work. With Mushka, everything came together because it was a real moment. Love and humor are in every detail, and that honesty stands out.

This image also encouraged me to keep blending beauty with a touch of oddness. That’s where I feel most creative, in those places where elegance meets something a bit unusual, and beautiful things feel just a little strange.

Sometimes, a photo takes on a life of its own. Mushka began as a fun shoot with friends and ended up as one of my most recognized works. It reminded me that art doesn’t always need to be big or carefully planned. Sometimes, it’s about being curious and letting surprises guide you.

Every artist has projects that remind them of why they first fell in love with photography. For me, this was one of those. It was full of laughter, connection, trust, and a rat named Mushka who stole the show.

Technical Details