(This blog entry is reposted from the previous incarnation of the blog, published 2022)

Amidst the pandemic, an interesting trend has made a comeback: the speakeasy. It’s unclear just exactly what has sparked this resurgence—perhaps the pandemic has created a desire for novelty. Maybe our collective lack of intimacy has prompted a demand for these rebellious confined and secluded spaces. Or maybe these low profile (and low ceiling-ed) spaces are simply more attractive to business owners in a hyper competitive real estate market. Regardless of why, these stealthy establishments have become all the rage from New York to LA.

A recent addition to the gin joint renaissance is Voysey, a Portland, Oregon based cocktail bar (located in a basement below another bar). Inspired by the Voysey building in London and named for the building’s architect namesake, the cozy bar pays homage to the art deco aesthetic of the 20s with its rich jewel tones, geometric shapes and decadent details (not to mention the delicious cocktails). The Voysey also embraces its feminine side—owned, designed and managed by women, the bar’s story harkens back to an era where women saw significant success in the speakeasy underworld (if you haven’t heard of Texas Guinan—Manhattan’s most famous speakeasy hostess—look her up!)

With all that in mind, for this photoshoot I wanted to rekindle that 1920s ambience and bring to life a narrative that would honor the aesthetic of the Voysey and the history of the speakeasy era—the glitz, the glam, the flapper fringe, finger waves and pinstripe suit. Photographing in a working basement bar certainly has its challenges—site unseen and with no prelight, we had to work quickly—but thanks to my amazing team and talent, we were able to capture three setups in a short two hour window. It was a fitting final shoot for this 2022 year—and now, off to celebrate with a gin rickey and ring in the next one. Cheers!