Odé Means Heart

When Sunny’s inquiry popped into my inbox, I audibly said “Yes” and then pumped my fist like Napoleon Dynamite. Sunny had reached out because her eight-year-old daughter was recently titled and crowned royalty at her tribal school on the Kickapoo Reservation in KS. Sunny wanted photos to celebrate the occasion and have photos back in time for ‘Rock Your Mocs’ week. ‘Rock Your Mocs’ week is a celebration that takes place in the Native community, November 14 - 20, to highlight moccasin wearing. Earlier this year I said I really wanted to work with a native client and Sunny actively wanted to support a black-owned business, so it was the perfect match. 

Odé (Oh-Day) was truly a reflection of the meaning of her name, Heart. She was one sweet, silly, and confident 8-year-old girl. When she showed up in her regalia, I was blown away. The beadwork and colors were beautiful and incredibly detailed. I can’t sew a thing and am an avid fabric glue user, so I was truly amazed. I also learned that those beautiful shells you see in the shape of a heart are Abalone Shells. Abalone Shells are said to enhance feelings of peace, compassion, and love. You have to be very skilled to carve them, as the shaving particles can cause damage if inhaled. 

During sessions when I can tell clients are a bit nervous, I like to show them the photos as we shoot. She was a little nervous in the beginning but warmed right up, and shooting became a breeze. We laughed, danced, and laughed some more. We shot in my crossroads studio off 11 and Hickory. The goal of the shoot was to make sure Odé was the focus and to show off her confident side along with her Mocs. It was so much fun to learn and capture just a bit of their vast and beautiful culture and I look forward to more opportunities in the future!