A Night of Opulence and Fate: Marie Antoinette at Melrose Knitting Mill


While I mainly focus on family photography, headshots, and senior portraits, I sometimes join creative photography groups for unique projects like this one. These events give me an opportunity to experiment with new styles and techniques and collaborate with other creative entrepreneurs in the area. I thought it would be fun to give you some behind-the-scenes looks at these events. I never quite know what I’m stepping into when I attend, but it’s always a great opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and try something new. This event couldn’t be further from family photography, so enjoy!


On Friday, February 7th, Melrose Knitting Mill was transformed into a world of decadence and impending doom as creatives from across Raleigh came together for a Marie Antoinette-inspired photoshoot. It was an amazing experience to collaborate with so many talented photographers, models, and artists to bring this vision to life. We reimagined the fall of Marie Antoinette—opulence, rebellion, and a love story doomed to the guillotine.


Photography session in a brick loft studio with arched window overlooking city skyline.

Scene 1 - The Party, The Sunset


The evening began with the ladies of the court enjoying a lavish feast. Their towering wigs, intricate dresses, and carefree laughter captured the essence of indulgence. Surrounded by luxury, they dined and drank, basking in the golden light of the setting sun. Posing together, they were both graceful and opulent, unaware that their moment in the spotlight was rapidly fading. The scene was a perfect blend of elegance and excess, frozen in time just before fate would turn their world upside down.

Three people in vintage Victorian style costumes with white wigs posing in a historic brick room.

Scene 2 - The Party Turns to Chaos as the Angel Appears


Indulgence turns to reckoning as the party fades into panic. From the extravagant dining scenes to the haunting presence of an angel signaling their fate, every detail was meticulously crafted. Bathed in the golden light of the setting sun, the angel appears, a vision of both mercy and inevitability. Does she bring redemption, or is it already too late? The court’s fate hangs in the balance.

An ethereal figure in a white dress stands above elderly women in red seated at an elegant Christmas dinner table.

Scene 3 - Facing Doom


Against a deep red backdrop, these queens face their doom—shock, amusement, anger, and fear written across their faces. The models embodied the last days of the court—reveling in luxury, caught between laughter and fear, before the inevitable fall.

Group of performers in white baroque-style costumes with feathers and corsets pose playfully against bright red backdrop.
A person in a Marie Antoinette style white powdered wig and pearls holds a delicate fan against a soft pink background.
Victorian-inspired fashion with corset, flowing cape and stockings in a rustic loft space with exposed brick and chandeliers.
A group poses in Marie Antoinette style costumes with white powdered wigs and period clothing in a sunlit brick room.
Fashion photo in white dress against exposed brick wall with natural light streaming in through windows on hardwood floor.
A group in baroque-style costumes with powdered wigs pose in a room with exposed brick walls and arched windows.
Close-up portrait showing dramatic platinum blonde curls, bright red neckline, and delicate white lace details in soft lighting.
Figure in a white powdered wig and period dress holds a lace fan against an orange backdrop with dramatic shadow.
A performer in a white ruffled costume with feather boas poses dramatically against a bright red background.
Three figures in white baroque-style wigs and lace accessories pose vertically against a bright red background.
Four performers in white baroque-style wigs and corsets pose playfully against a bright red backdrop.
Performers in matching white baroque costumes and wigs pose in a stacked formation against a bright red background.
Group of performers in Marie Antoinette-inspired costumes with white wigs and corsets pose against a red backdrop.

The fall of Marie Antoinette, reimagined.


Creative direction by the incredibly talented Megan McInerney (@neversleepwithmakeup), the event was a stunning blend of historical elegance, rich storytelling, and dark romanticism. This shoot was not just about the images—it was about the experience. The energy, the creativity, and the collaboration made for an unforgettable evening. Huge thanks to Megan for organizing such an incredible event and to everyone who contributed their artistry. Can’t wait for the next one!

Creative TEAM