When we shared this Instagram photo last month, we hinted that it wasn’t an ordinary snap—our caption even mentioned that both of us had to put on makeup for it.
That shot was taken on the set of a photoshoot for Richmond Magazine’s Best & Worst issue. This annual, reader-voted roundup highlights local favorites in a wide range of categories, from the straightforward (Best New Restaurant) to the quirky (TV Anchor Who Never Ages).
How did we end up in it? We were voted Best Local Instagram Feed. When they called us, we were stunned—seriously, we asked, “are you sure that’s us?” You can see the short blurb about it in the magazine.
We were thrilled and honored to be included, and even more flattered when they asked to photograph us for the issue. It felt odd to be photographed away from our usual home backdrop, but the graphic black-and-white wall created by photographer Matt Licari and set designers Stephanie and Chad Jacobson made a great alternative.
The concept was Instagram-themed, so we pretended to take selfies with a phone (it ended up being the magazine’s Creative Director’s phone—our cases were considered too distracting). The team later added the phone screen image in Photoshop.
Matt kindly sent us some outtakes to share. If nothing else, they show that not all my expressions involve a wide-open mouth—just most of them.
We tried a few shots with Sherry holding the phone, which required an awkward squat on my part. But I suppose modeling isn’t about comfort.
Many thanks to Steve and everyone at Richmond Magazine for inviting us to participate, and to photographer Matt Licari for letting us have fun in front of his lens. And a big thanks to the locals who voted for us—your support was a lovely surprise. As we joked with the shoot crew, we’re still waiting for whatever prize comes with the honor—a trophy, sash, novelty check, or key to the city—and when it arrives, we’ll certainly Instagram a photo of it.
Photographs by Matt Licari courtesy of Richmond Magazine