Madonna

I’ve renewed my vows to art. This piece is an exploration into re-harnessing the magic that once propelled me into ever more creative territory, unafraid to fail or take risks. The wedding dress symbolizes my pure intentions and commitment to bettering myself through my art and life. The interpretation of Mary symbolizes the idea that anything I create needs to be to uplifting and to the benefit of others, as well as representing courage in the face of adversity and faith in the unknown path. The crystal ball represents the past, present and future, and even the idea that we have control over our destiny by the choices we make every day. Our life is in our own hands, so to speak.
The crescent moon symbolizes the new moon we experienced this January 5th, the day this was shot. In astrology, a new moon represents a new beginning, a birth, a fresh slate. Last but not least, this photo was also supposed to have a snake, which was representative of overcoming my demons, and mastering my fears and shortcomings. Unfortunately, the snake part of the picture didn’t work out, but that’s OK, we all have to be open to adaptation - another lesson in life.

Photography: Heather McGrath
Styling & Set Design: Shiphouse Productions
Makeup: Steffanie Strazzere
Corset: Lory Sun Artistry

Photo Courtesy of Bruce Luetters of 3Sixty Photography

The Mystery at Castle Hill

My mother read me Nancy Drew's "The Secret of the Old Clock" when I was a little girl; I was enchanted. Mystery, adventure, and fashion - what more could you ask for! The novels' rich, ominous settings proved a perfect source of inspiration for a photo-shoot, and I love the notion of portraying such courageous female heroine. Shot on location in Ipswich Massachusetts, at The Crane Estate, my inner child had a field-day with this one. 

Production, Concept, Art Direction, Styling, Model, Hair & Makeup: Chloe Barcelou
Photography and Post Processing: Bruce Luetters of 3Sixty Photography
Styling & Wardrobe Contributions: Pam Pierce Barcelou
Assistance: Brandon Batchelder of B&C Productions
Location: The Crane Estate

Steam Rising

After collaborating with Kato, founder and designer of Steampunk Couture on a modeling gig in 2012, I was asked to shoot her newest collection shortly after. One thing leads to another, and soon, the shoot became its own theatrical production, featuring 4 models, multiple hair stylists and makeup artist, grand locations, and months of production. Once the editor of New Hampshire Magazine caught wind, this shoot was too good to be missed; so he attended, landing me my first big cover story. The process was generously filmed by local filmmaker: John Hession, creating an arresting behind the scenes video, highlighting my process of creating a fashion editorial.

Behind The Scenes

Photo's Courtesy of Bruce Luetters of 3Sixty Photography

Video Courtesy of John Hession

New Hampshire Magazine

Production, Concept, Art Direction, Photography & Styling: Chloe Barcelou
Selected Wardrobe: Steampunk Couture
Behind-The-Scenes Photography: Bruce Luetters of 3 Sixty Photography
Behind-The-Scenes Video: John Hession
Models: Carolan Bonnet, Ashley Phillips, Dawn-Marie Currier, Emery Griffith & Sara Murphy
Makeup Artist: Amy Linnell-Monkiewicz of Glam It Up LLC & Alexandra Angelone
Hair Stylist: Janet Dolan & Jessica Arebalo Ruston of Salon Bogar
Body-painting: Hannah Griffith
Assistance: Brandon Batchelder of B&C Productions & Kristina Marie Smith of KM Photography
Retouching: Robert van der Laan
Special Thanks to Rick Broussard of New Hampshire Magazine and Salon Bogar.

Photo Courtesy of Kayt Silvers of Silver & Bynes Photography

Jean-Honoré Fragonard

Ever inspired by classical art, I have always dreamed of recreating some of my favorite masterpieces through the modern lens. Influenced by the style of one of my favorite photographers, Tim Walker, I decided to take a whimsical approach to reproducing this painting. Recalling a heap of leftover props and materials from a film I art directed and styled, I got to work recycling wallpapers and costumes, as well as handcrafting nearly 50 "paper roses" - made from coffee filters - to bring to life this romantic renaissance painting, the behind-the-scenes of which I decided to expose, revealing the seldom seen process that is a photo-shoot.

Behind The Scenes

Production, Concept, Art Direction, Set Design, Props, Model & Makeup Artist: Chloe Barcelou
Photography & Post-Processing: Kayt Silvers of Silver and Bynes Photography
Behind-The-Scenes Video: Evan T Perry
Location: Dan Diaz of Westerman’s Props
Hair Stylist: Tracy Mushow of Ginger Roots Salon
Male Models: Wilnor Tereau & Adam W Mayerson
Assistance: Brandon Batchelder of B&C Productions

Photo's Courtesy of Sleep Walk Films

Spanish Mary 

On a gorgeous foggy 5am late summer morning, my cinematographer friend Zach and I ran around the dewy New Hampshire far I called home, for no particular reason other than were interested in making new images and had wonderful resources available at our fingertips. Inspired by Sophia Coppola, I dug a favorite dress out of my storage unit and we went to work on this simple piece. 

Production, Model, Costume: Chloe Barcelou
Video + Photography: Sleep Walk Films

Ressurection

I adore Rococo. It's a style that appears in much of my personal work. I decided to approach this Marie Antoinette shoot with a sense of humor, acknowledging the pop culture trend of re-imagining our favorite historical characters - as zombies. With a longing to stay true to the sense of the times' aesthetic, but not having access to the appropriate shooting location, Brandon and I made a substitute backdrop by hand.

Production, Art Direction, Set Design, Styling, Makeup Artist & Photography: Chloe Barcelou
Concept: Hannah Griffith
Special Effects: Michael Geary
Model: Abby Stuart
Hair Stylist: Jessica Arebalo Ruston of Salon Bogar
Styling & Wardrobe Contribution: Pam Pierce Barcelou

Photo Courtesy of Bruce Luetters of 3Sixty Photography

Tribute to America's First President

Recycling one of my handmade wigs from a Rococo shoot - giving it a white powder makeover, I thought recreating Washington's iconic portrait was a fun way to pay homage to America's Democracy in 2016, an Election year.

Production, Concept, Art Direction, Props, Makeup Artist & Model: Chloe Barcelou
Photography & Post-Processing: Bruce Luetters of 3Sixty Photography
Assistance: Brandon Batchelder of B&C Productions

A Grimm Tale

It's probably no surprise to you that I love fairy-tales. Their themes play a large role in much of my personal work. Delving into one of my favorite stories, and drawing from Renaissance era master artists, I recreated Rumplestilskin.  

Production, Art Direction, Set Design, Props, Styling, Makeup Artist & Photography: Chloe Barcelou
Models: Sophia Barcelou and Leah Couture
Hair Stylist: Jessica Arebalo Ruston of Salon Bogar
Wardrobe Contributions: Pam Pierce Barcelou
Assistance: Brandon Batchelder of B&C Productions
Location Courtesy of Elizabeth Miller
Lighting Courtesy of John Hession

Mythology

Eager to add more diversity to my body of work, I took a plunge into the dark side for this shoot, exploring one of the most creepy godesses in Greek Mythology. And yes, the snakes are real.

Production, Art Direction, Props, Makeup Artist & Photographer: Chloe Barcelou
Models: Hally Sheely & Heather Anderson
Hair Stylist: Janet Dolan of Salon Bogar
Lighting Courtesy of John Hession
Snakes Courtesy of New England Reptile Distributors (NERD)
Assistance: Brandon Batchelder of B&C Productions

Down the Rabbit Hole

An ongoing series, I "fell down the rabbit hole" early in my career, exploring set design and styling using Alice in Wonderland (a cherished childhood staple) as my inspiration. Without knowledge of Photoshop, I was compelled to hand-craft elaborate props and decorations, relying on them to convey the story. Often scavenging my Mother's collection of vintage pieces and decorations, I pieced together, produced, styled and photographed some of Alice's most iconic adventures.

 

Production, Art Direction, Set Design, Styling, Props & Photography: Chloe Barcelou
Post Processing: Sarah Ann Loreth
Models: Olivia Barcelou, Dawn-Marie Currier, Molly Miller, Taryn Elise & Shaylyn Riane, Danielle Merlino & Sara Murphy
Hair & Makeup: Chloe Barcelou, Pam Pierce Barcelou & Amy Linnell-Monkiewicz
Prop and Wardrobe Contribution: Pam Pierce Barcelou

Early Work

2007-2013