About a month and a half ago, we were walking through the park across the street when we were stopped by a couple of girls who work with a local children/family photography studio. They saw Elise and fell in love. They asked if we would be willing to allow them to use her to advertise their business, and in return we would receive a free photo shoot and photo book. Kristen and I agreed as we were wanting a few Chinese style baby photos of Elise.
We made an appointment for the following week. Before arriving we tried to explain to Elise that she was to be this company’s new baby model, and that this could be her big break. When we got there, Elise realized there was other competition so she began to size them up.
Elise kindly explains to the girl next to her that there is only room for one model on this couch! Also, I will eat you! ***As you can see, they had to be separated by the photographer.
Finally it was time for Elise to shine.
The photo shoot started off great. Elise was working the camera, and the photographer was loving it…
The wig was an unexpected touch…
A mid-yawn shot gets turned into awe and wonder. It’s almost too easy.
After about an hour and half of shooting, things started getting a little weird. They wanted Kristen to place her hands over and around Elise’s face and pose with her for a few shots…
Then they asked us we if wanted to do “traditional” pictures with all of us. We thought that would be a lot of fun. We would all get dressed up into traditional Chinese clothing and take a few fun shots as a family. Sold.
So they took Kristen outside to “fix” her hair, which basically meant take it out of the ponytail and brush it. Then the photographer asked me to take off my shirt. I obliged and was expecting to be given clothes, but instead they said they wanted Elise and I to take a few pictures together without our shirts. I was a little confused and thought I misunderstood, but I just went along with it. At this point, I’m holding Elise up in the air, she is only wearing a diaper, and I’m shirtless… when Kristen walks back in. She mouths, “What the…?” and I look at her and whisper “I have no idea…”
Then they asked Kristen to join me for an even more awkward family photo…
And yes, within an hour this picture was posted to their social media account.
We ended up asking them to take the shirtless pictures offline, and in the end, the experience left all of us feeling a little like this…
So not sure if Elise’s modeling career will take off anytime soon, but if you are ever in Xi’an, be on the look out for Elise’s picture posted around town!!!
Now on to the next awkward (awesome?) cultural experience!
nomadic texan 