cowgirl

Red Anna… a black and white photography project with Rainyfresh Photography

Adrianna Acting, Print, Ramblings , , , , , , , 0 Comment

My talented friend Ryan Fisher of Rainyfresh Photography let me check a bucket list item off my list: being a historic cowgirl. I have always loved Calamity Jane (from Deadwood was an amazing interpretation!) and Back to the Future 3 – heck I live my life in the times of the Gold Rush, but I’m stuck in Toronto 1850s not the Klondike! My costume in this photo-shoot was inspired by Calamity’s classic look from her 1880’s portrait, too. I have been training to be her with stage combat, whip work, gun work, and of course horseback riding. 

My friend Phil from Stageworthy Podcast wrote this when he saw the Rainyfresh edit of the photos: 

“Red Anna. Some’ll tell you that her hair wasn’t always red. That it turned blood red from the entrails of the men she killed. Others say that it’s red because it was touched by the flames of hell. Still others say that its the dark mark upon her, placed there for some sin too dark to mention. What the truth is, none can say. But she’s earned each and every tale that’s told about her, and more.”

So here is Calamity Jane’s 1880 portrait I used to inspire my costume that I put together myself:

Calamity Jane circa 1880 Adrianna Prosser as cowgirl Red Anna cowgirl circa 1880 Adrianna Prosser as Red Anna cowgirl circa 1880And here is Robin Weigert as Calamity Jane on HBO’s  Deadwood TV series (which I adore and renewed my faith in great parts for actresses – what a gift and what a stellar performance, you have to see this show!)robin weigert portrays calamity jane on deadwood

 

Here are some of my favourites:

 

Find Ryan at:

https://www.facebook.com/RainyfreshPhotography/

https://www.rainyfreshphotography.com/ 

https://www.instagram.com/rainyfresh/ 

 

 

Getting oldey timey in 1847

Adrianna Acting, Print, Training , , , , , 0 Comment
Adrianna in a cowgirl costume holding an 1851 colt revolver

I have this dream to be in a Western movie… maybe it’s because I have spent the last 10 years working in the right time period at the museums I teach and tour at. Maybe it’s because I started to ride horses when I was a kid and grew up to show horses in Hunter/Jumper class or Barrel Races. Maybe it’s because I have been fascinated with archery and single action lever rifles. Maybe it’s because I have always wanted to be a badass woman saving the day. Maybe it’s because I fell in love with Back to the Future part three or Deadwood tv series (because Calamity Jane played by Robin Weigert blew up my heart and mind!)

Whatever the reason, when my friend Ryan Fisher of Rainyfresh Photography wanted to do something other than weddings and I immediately suggest an old Western photoshoot where I could pay homage to the likes of Calamity Jane and badass ladies in general. 

The day before I hung out with my brother at the gun range as we both have our license and trained up on bolt action rifles and pistols, I have to be a markswoman if I’m going to duel at dawn in 1847! Turns out I’m a pretty good shot – look at that grouping and target hits below:

at the gun range with my brother, target practice

And a preview of what’s to come from the photoshoot: here is one of Ryan’s awesome photos of me in my full Calamity Adri costume get up!


Adrianna in a cowgirl costume holding an 1851 colt revolver

Some behind the scenes at the authentic 1847 tavern at Montgomery’s Inn museum (with Ryan from Rainyfresh!)

I can’t wait to show you more! And if you have anywhere from $50k-1m dollars lying around I would be happy to use that to make my film 😉