Nicole Caldwell Photo

Haunted Bayou: Liquid Spirits & a 35mm film Apparition Chaser

Here’s the thing about random conversations—they can turn into your best shoots without warning.

A man in formal wear holding a martini stands next to a woman in a patterned gown with a high slit, both posing in an ornate, dimly lit room with decorative elements and candles. 35mm film photograhper nicole caldwell

During a photoshoot, we started swapping stories about favorite drinks and secret escapes. They casually mentioned they were building a speakeasy.

Fast-forward a few months, I asked if I could photograph them right there in their own masterpiece.

We shot everything on 35mm with my old Minolta. After the third cocktail kicked in, I was thanking autofocus for saving the day.

A man in a top hat and formal attire holds a martini glass while standing next to a woman in a long patterned dress, both posing in a dimly lit room with dark curtains and a vintage decor. 35mm film photograhper nicole caldwell
A woman in a patterned dress poses playfully behind a man in a top hat and tuxedo, seated in a dimly lit vintage-style room adorned with ornate wall frames and decor. 35mm film photograhper nicole caldwell
A man in a tuxedo and top hat stands in a dimly lit, vintage-themed room, holding a tray with drinks. The backdrop features ornate decorations and framed artwork, including skulls. Cobwebs are visible, adding to the eerie atmosphere. 35mm film photograhper nicole caldwell
A man in a tuxedo and top hat holds a cocktail while reaching behind a curtain, revealing a woman's leg in a high heel. The setting features vintage decor with skull artwork and dim lighting. 35mm film photograhper nicole caldwell
A man in a tuxedo and top hat stands holding a martini, next to a seated woman in a floral dress with a drink in her hand. The setting is dimly lit with vintage decor. 35mm film photograhper nicole caldwell