what are the creative collabs?
monthly photo sessions to scratch a creative itch! they exist to collaborate with other artists, so I may learn and explore my photographic medium, embrace another, and create work that gives back to my community.
each month’s creative collab is based on that month’s corresponding zodiac sign. at the culmination of each month, the artist and I will select prints to sell, with profits being split in equal thirds to myself, the artist, and a distr or crowdfund of the artist’s choice.
how do i join the collab?
This one is for the creatives! Makeup artists, Puppetters, Jewelers, Directors, Clothing Designers, Painters, Stylists, Acrobats, Florists, Carpenters, really anything that you think would translate as a skill for an amazing photo shoot! Or even just a really cool concept; the floor is yours! click here to fill out a creative collab submission
Capricorn / January
Photographer: MCP Photo | McKenna C Poe
Chain Mail Pieces: Reap What You Sew
Location: Between Space Studio
Model: Sophie Pulver
In the launch of the Creative Collab series, we begin with Capricorn. Joan of Arc, a Capricorn herself, embodies many of the common Capricorn traits: grounded in reality, deeply yet privately emotional, and unwavering in their loyalty. Though Joan was once embraced by her king, she was cast aside and burned at the stake for heresy, always unwavering in her beliefs and calls from a higher power. At 19 years old, her convictions were steadfast. There is strength holding your power while embracing your inner softness, a dichotomy that the artist wished to portray in this series - holding light in the dark. All of the chainmail pieces were handmade by Sophie, who is also seen in the image. See more @mcpphoto.png on Instagram or at MCPPHOTO.com
Proceeds of the prints from this collection are split equally between the artist, the model, and the organization or crowd-funding effort of the model's choice. Sophie has selected MECA: Middle East Children's Alliance, a nonprofit organization working for the rights and well-being of children in the Middle East, Palestinian children, and refugees from Syria. Find out more at mecaforpeace.org.
audio recommendation - Mozart’s “Requiem K. 626 - Lacrimosa”
Aquarius / February
Model: McKenna Christine Poe (she/they)
Photographer: MCP Photo | McKenna C Poe
Devil Hood: Rachelle Appelle
Studio: Between Space Studio
As an Aquarius themselves, the artist felt it right to celebrate their individuality and creativity through this second installment of the Creative Collab series - very aquarian of them… Aquarians often challenge norms and can be seen as contrarian, and their desire for independence and variety can lead to erratic vibes. An explosion of this devilish and vibrant red evokes danger and power. With chewed-up cosmetics and distorted features, it’s embracing the beauty in the ugly, and warping the artist's own view of themselves. See more @mcpphoto.png on Instagram.
Proceeds of the prints from this collection are split equally between the artist and the organization or crowd-funding effort of the model's choice. McKenna has selected Tompkins Square Distro, a weekly community mutual aid distribution for migrant asylum seekers, unhoused neighbors & all in need at Tompkins Square Park. Find out more @tompkins.distro on Instagram.
audio recommendation - “It’s just forever” by cage the elephant
Pisces / March
In Collaboration with THE Cosmic Cherry Arts Festival
Models: Alexandra Rouzier (she/her), Irene Lazaridis (she/her), Leilani Carr (the/he/she) Maddie Palmaccio (she/her), Messica Rabbit(she/her), and Ruthie Ofrasio (she/her)
Photographer: MCP Photo | McKenna C Poe
Location: Between Space Studio
In the third installment of the Creative Collabs series, the artists combined the traits of Pisces and the prompt of “Femme Futurism” to create something that felt like a lasting impression of girlhood in the cosmos. Being the last zodiac sign and ending the wheel evokes an awareness of the great unknown, while holding a gaze to the future. Women and femmes have always been at the roots of spirituality – the foundation; a connection to the divine, a sense of community, a belief in the interconnectedness of all things. See more @mcpphoto.png on Instagram or at MCPPHOTO.com
Proceeds of the prints from this collection are split equally between the photographer and the organization or crowd-funding effort of the collaborating artists’ choice. Cosmic Cherry has dedicated their proceeds for 2025 to oSTEM: a non-profit organization that envisions a world where LGTBQ+ people in the STEM community are empowered to achieve success by cultivating environments and communities that nurture innovation, leadership and advocacy. Find out more at ostem.org.
audio recommendation - “petals on the moon” by wasia project
Aries / April
Model: Jess And
Photographer: MCP Photo | McKenna C Poe
Ram Skull Creation: Jess And
Location: Between Space Studio
The fourth installation of the Creative Collab series brings the first of the Zodiac signs: Aries. As the first, Aries is a cardinal sign, which means associating her with starting new ventures and initiatives; a fire sign with a passionate nature. The artist - an Aries themselves - wanted the collab to revolve around the ram, the symbolic representation of Aries, reflecting their bold and headstrong nature. Aries is also a fire sign. Instead of using literal fire, the photographer used practical streaks of light to radiate flame-like energy off the model. The ram skull headpiece was handmade by Jess And, who is also seen in the image. See more @mcpphoto.png on Instagram or at MCPPHOTO.com
Artist’s Statement: I was so thrilled to work with McKenna on bringing this project to life! I had a vision, McKenna had a vision, and those vision’s had a baby, which is the work you see before you! I couldn’t have asked for a more collaborative, supportive person to create this photoset with! I hope when you view these photos, you are awash with the essence of Aries
Proceeds of the prints from this collection are split equally between the photographer, the artist, and the organization or crowd-funding effort of the artist’s choice. Jess And has selected Trans Lifeline, a grassroots hotline and non-profit organization offering direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis – for the trans community, by the trans community. Find out more at translifeline.org
audio recommendation - “me and the devil" by Soap&Skin
Crochet Artist: Tristan Baker
Models: Cheetahprint (they/them), Nirah (she/her), Tristan Baker (they/them)
Moss Headpiece & Pants: Cheetahprint
Photographer: MCP Photo | McKenna C Poe
Location: Between Space Studio
The fifth entry of the Creative Collab series brings its second Earth Sign, Taurus. Known for their grounded and reliable nature, Taurus’ value a sense of stability while welcoming beauty and comfort into their routines in rich greens and floral tones. Ruled by Venus, Taurus can also be deeply emotional & soft creatures. All of this pointed to soft textures and bright colors, welcoming a perfect avenue for crocheted spectacle. Tristan created a crochet jungle of wonders, drawing the eye in every direction with texture and color delight, while creating a focused nest for the creatures inside it. It’s alien, yet it’s earthly. See more @mcpphoto.png on Instagram or at MCPPHOTO.com
Artist’s Statement: Tristan Baker is a queer, NY-based, multidisciplinary artist. Growing up in central Florida, their work takes heavy inspiration from the swamplands they called home. As a child, they were constantly in the backs of classrooms drawing, or taking sketching classes with the seniors, or teaching their classmates how to make friendship bracelets out of grass, which has ignited a lifelong passion to create in any and all mediums. In their current artistic practice, they primarily work in fiber arts and soft sculptures with fantastical color palettes that elicit childlike whimsy. Having never grown out of their fascination with nature, they primarily focus on creating fantastical plants and critters of all sorts.
Proceeds of the prints from this collection are split equally between the photographer, the artist, and the organization or crowd-funding effort of the artist’s choice. Tristan has selected Trans Lifeline, a grassroots hotline and non-profit organization offering direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis – for the trans community, by the trans community. Find out more at translifeline.org
audio recommendation: “Human Behaviour” by Björk
Taurus / May
Artist: Megan Mistretta Makeup
Model: Gomorrah
Photographer: MCP Photo | McKenna C Poe
Location: Between Space Studio
The halfway point of the Creative Collab series: Gemini. Communicative, curious, and adaptable. Geminis are versatile, comfortable being both introverts and extroverts. They are quick to adapt to the energy of a room–they can be the life of the party or a complete wallflower. Though many view Gemini as a two-faced being, is that always a bad thing to play with a multifaceted experience? How you look to yourself or others in the mirror isn’t always as you appear. By playing with mirrors, self-imagining, and black and white vs. color, this series iteration explores reflection of being multiple things at once, embraced and confronted. See more @mcpphoto.png on Instagram or at MCPPHOTO.com
Artist’s Statement: Self expression is the spice of life! I’ve always wanted to incorporate permanent tattoos into the impermanence of makeup. I am a makeup artist that focuses on enhancing natural beauty and what a fun way to draw attention to the beauty of tattoos by expanding them with color and paint. I was so inspired by Gomorrah’s tattoos and allowed them to guide this shoot. With Gemini, the twins, as our inspiration, we incorporated reflection and played with the idea of exploring color vs. black and white with self expression as our muse.
Proceeds of the prints from this collection are split equally between the photographer, the artist, and the organization or crowd-funding effort of the artist’s choice. Megan has selected The National MS Society, an organization leading a worldwide effort to cure Multiple Sclerosis and support those living with it. Find out more at nationalmssociety.org
audio recommendation: Oh What a Day by Ingrid Michelson
Gemini / June
Cancer / July
Artist: Cry Baby Craft | Sarah Smallwood Parsons
Photographer: MCP Photo | McKenna C Poe
Location: Between Space Studio
Cancer, the fourth sign of the zodiac, is known for its emotional depth and strong intuition. Cancers are ruled by the moon, the celestial body that represents comfort, self-care, and maternal energies. Phases of the lunar cycle deepen their internal mysteries. Much lore surrounds this type of energy in dolls of any culture. They seem to possess knowledge or knowing beyond us, much like cancer. The eyes of the pieces Sarah has created bring through this thread as their pieces so effortlessly exude this desired energy, even being inanimate objects. See more @mcpphoto.png on Instagram or at MCPPHOTO.com
Artist’s Statement:
My work comes from getting in touch with my feelings as an adult
Learning to cry
I grew up in dysfunction and hoarding
Unable to form my own sense of identity
Dreaming of escaping to another planet
The dolls are expressive
They are genderless
They are armored
They come from piles of junk
Often dirty and in pieces
And are transformed into something beautiful
Proceeds of the prints from this collection are split equally between the photographer, the artist, and the organization or crowd-funding effort of the artist’s choice. Sarah has selected GLITS, a Black trans-led advocacy and direct services organization that is dedicated to fighting systemic discrimination against marginalized communities, in New York City and beyond. Find out more at https://www.glitsinc.org/
audio recommendation: “Come Out And Play” by Billie Eilish
Leo / August
Artist: Scarlett
Photographer: MCP Photo | McKenna C Poe
Models: Lex Rountree (she/her), Magen Ruiz (she/her), Vinny Richmond (he/they)
Location: Between Space Studio
Rounding the project’s midpoint, we are greeted by a lion. Leos are often characterized as confident, generous, loyal, and creative leaders who enjoy the spotlight, though they can also be stubborn, arrogant, and struggle with criticism. Their ruling planet is the Sun, which influences their focus on identity, self-esteem, and dramatic flair. Though sometimes seen as too big or too loud or too much, Leos have an energy that can only be described as magnetic; the room is buzzing but you can still see their radiance pierce through the movement. That was the visual goal of this Creative Collab. See more @mcpphoto.png on Instagram or at MCPPHOTO.com
Artist’s Statement: I treat hair and makeup as structure and story. Where science meets artistry and self expression comes to fruition. My work bends towards the gothic, edgy softness and playful. Each client becomes a walking muse— a living canvas stepping out into the world with their head held high.
Proceeds of the prints from this collection are split equally between the photographer, the artist, and the organization or crowd-funding effort of the artist’s choice. Scarlett has selected SAGE. SAGE works to achieve a high quality of life for LGBTQ+ elders, supports and advocates for their rights, fosters a greater understanding of aging in all communities, and promotes positive images of LGBTQ+ life in later years. Find out more at sageusa.org
audio recommendation: “Human” by Sevdaliza
Virgo / September
“Love In Motion”
Concept & Choreography: Dallan G. Halkias
Dancers: Amber Lyons (she/her), Dallan G Halkias (he/they), Mx.Mommy Issues (they/them), Omari Simmons (he/him), Shelby Marie (she/they)
Photography/Videography: MCP Photo | McKenna C Poe
Editing: MCP Photo | McKenna C Poe
The final earth sign of CC25, VIRGO. A Virgo is typically a compassionate, practical, and analytical person. Virgos are known for their meticulous attention to detail, smarts, and strong desire for perfection, though this can lead to being overly critical of themselves and others. Just as our astrology affects us, it also affects the relationships around us - like a parent and child. Dallan speaks more on this in his artist's statement. See more @mcpphoto.png on Instagram or at MCPPHOTO.com
Artist’s Statement: This project stemmed from a desire to explore relationships through the lens of dance, and how perfectionism, comparison, and self worth tie into our journey to love ourselves and others. I encounter many Virgos in my life, starting early on with both of my parents being September Virgos, and I feel inspired by their drive for success, their groundedness and steadfastness to their goals, and their quiet but ever-growing self-confidence. This piece tells the story of someone who lets comparison and perfectionism be the thief of their joy at first, but you’ll see sparks of courage start to fly, until finally he embraces himself, the last drum click sounds, and the dancer in red lets himself feel at peace in his solitude. To me, this piece is a warm hug from a close friend on a cloudy day, a tonic to life’s woes, and a glimpse of hope, and I hope it brings you the same drive to love and be loved that I feel post-production.
Proceeds of the prints from this collection are split equally between the photographer, the artist, and the organization or crowd-funding effort of the artist’s choice. Dallan has selected GLITS, a Black trans-led advocacy and direct services organization that is dedicated to fighting systemic discrimination against marginalized communities, in New York City and beyond. Find out more https://www.glitsinc.org/
audio recommendation: “Falling Behind” by Laufey (song used for artistic purpose only, CC does not own the rights to this song, thanks for the audio inspiration)
Libra / October
Artist: Alexandra Owensby | Made By AO
Model: Alexandra Owensby
Photographer: MCP Photo | McKenna C Poe
Location: Between Space Studio
The final air sign of the Creative Collab: Zodiac series, Libra. This month’s artist interpreted the sign so thoroughly (libra), their artist statement can speak for itself. See more @mcpphoto.png on Instagram or at MCPPHOTO.com
Artist’s Statement: Libra is the only sign in the zodiac that is an inanimate object, the scales which represent the concept of balance. As an artist and a Libra, I have several passion projects which I balance among each other as well as with my daily obligations and basic needs (what is sleep?). The thrill of the sparkle and the spotlight, the next opportunity about to come, often overshadow the more mundane but necessary tasks for Libra. With limited hours in the day, are we trying to catch time, or stay ahead of it?
This piece is made from several handmade pieces, glittered with vintage watch parts. The bust is modeled after my own with gold leaf applied in varying intensity. Draped, gently, there are over eight feet of hand strung knotted pearls, at the end of which is a pocket watch that has been passed down between the men in my family for over 4 generations. Amidst the hanging elements are several pieces meant to represent the way I am personally pulled as an artist. A closed eye to represent the sleep I neglect, an open eye to represent my outward personality, a mustache to represent my stage persona, and an egg to represent basic needs. These are made from air dry clay which was subsequently painted and gold leafed, before being rhinestoned.
Proceeds of the prints from this collection are split equally between the photographer, the artist, and the organization or crowd-funding effort of the artist’s choice. Alexandra has selected The Ali Forney Center, whose mission is to protect LGBTQ+ and at-risk youths from the harms of homelessness and empower them with the tools needed to live independently. Find out more at aliforneycenter.org
audio recommendation: “Hey Moon” by John Maus
Scorpio / November
Artists: Judy Peach
Makeup Design & Application: Adrienne Gagnier
Model: Judy Peach
Photographer: MCP Photo | McKenna C Poe
Location: Between Space Studio
Scorpio. The final water sign of the CC Series 2025. A Scorpio's personality is a chasm of infinite complexity, kind of like a snowflake; fitting their ice-diva energy. They are difficult to get to know, and despite their ability to be popular, there can be something very lonely about Scorpios. They have a ruthless view of the world. Eat or be eaten. They are masters of opening windows on certain truths while concealing others behind heavy curtains. But yet, there is strength in controlling the uncontrollable. See more @mcpphoto.png on Instagram or at MCPPHOTO.com
Artist’s Statement: How much danger do you decide to endure to achieve what you desire?
Judy Peach is an artist based in Manhattan by way of Houston, Tx. Yeehaw.
Proceeds of the prints from this collection are split equally between the photographer, the artist, and the organization or crowd-funding effort of the artist’s choice. Judy has selected Meals on Heels, a Houston-based mutual aid initiative that provides food and care to the local LGBTQ+ community and youth in need. Find out more at mealsonheelshtx.com
audio recommendation: “Evil” by Interpol
