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I lost my dad over a year ago. Navigating this in my life has been difficult but through the veil of grief and the lens of my imagination and camera I have found ways to honor his memory and the man he was and will always
be in my heart.
So I had a vision of telling a part of my story through bringing to life a recollection of how my dad help me to navigate fear and sadness in my life through his love of taking walks in the woods, encouraging me to play and the memory of my yellow umbrella that went with me on many a rainy day walks .
I had the opportunity to write a short article as well for ‘Spark Magazine’ and this opportunity allowed me to unpack the symbolism behind the umbrella dress and the yellow umbrella telling a story of how women including myself navigates loss.
Read what I wrote below and hopefully find some solace in my story.
Coping with Loss: How Women Navigate Grief
"The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen." - Elisabeth Kübler-Ross
Losing a parent is a profound and life-altering experience that leaves a void in the heart and soul. The pain of such a loss can be overwhelming, but amidst the darkness, there is often a glimmer of light—a memory, a lesson, a symbol that offers solace and healing.
As a photographer who recently lost her father, I wanted to honor his memory by doing a photoshoot that represented how my dad would comfort me during times of loss.
‘The Girl with the Yellow Umbrella’ is a representation that reflects his wisdom passed onto me. The symbolism behind the story is simple: I was bullied in school and on many occasions my dad would take my hand and we would take a walk in the woods.
On rainy days I would have my yellow umbrella in hand, and we would play in the rain, look for rainbows in the sky and amongst my loss of self-worth my father's words would bring healing and validation.
In the landscape of current society women around the globe continue to face various forms of loss, whether it be the loss of loved ones, career opportunities, health battles, or societal inequalities. Despite the challenges, women are resilient, resourceful, and capable of navigating through these turbulent waters with grace and strength.
Society often expects them to be caregivers, nurturers, and the emotional pillars of their families and communities. As a result, they feel the need to suppress their own grief to support others, making their healing process more intricate.
One of the most profound losses women may encounter is the loss of a loved one. Whether through death, separation, or estrangement, the absence of those we hold dear can leave a void that seems insurmountable.
Yet, they like me find solace among our memories while drawing support from a variety of support systems. Through shared stories, tears, and laughter, they find the courage to heal and carry on, honoring the memories of those they have lost.
Through the act of playing in the rain with my yellow umbrella, I learned the art of letting go—the art of releasing pain and sorrow- of embracing myself. Each raindrop in the shoot represented a tear shed and a memory cherished. The rainbow of umbrellas on the forest floor represented a journey to hope and the letter placed in the yellow umbrella represented my love letter to my dad and included words from the heart of
gratitude and love.
I love this quote by Dolly Patton: "The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.
In the vast world of loss, challenges and inequalities women are no longer being silent bystanders but they are catalysts for change. They are taking their losses, dreams deferred, and other set-backs and confronting their challenges head-on, turning setbacks into opportunities for growth and self discovery carving out new paths and passions.
The umbrella dress created by Sybil Todd represents wearing new paths and passions.
In essence, the losses that women face are varied and complex, yet they are met with unwavering resilience, strength, and solidarity. Through adversity, women forge bonds, amplify voices, and inspire change.
They are not defined by their losses, but by their resilience in the face of them.
As they navigate through the storms of life, they continue to embody the essence of courage, compassion, and unwavering strength.
Here are some of the key symbols to reflect on giving a deeper insight into the minds of those who participate in this photo session:
One Umbrella lying on the forest floor.
(Represents a single event in a persons life).
A rainbow trail of umbrellas lying on the forest floor. ( Represents the path towards hope - also represents the path of transformation and self discovery).
Yellow boots sitting by an umbrella on a bench in the forest. ( This scene represents an invitation to take a journey)- towards healing.
The little girl sitting on the bench putting on her yellow boots with a tear in her eye. ( This scene represents a moment in time where the little girl recalls her pain but is willing to take the journey)
Little girl picks up the umbrella and starts walking down the path of rainbow umbrellas. ( Represents the trail of discovery).
Little girl stops to sit down - leans against a tree and begins writing a note. ( To her father)
( Represents the beginning of letting go) of the pain, loss in some woman’s story false expectations)..
The little girl lies on the forest floor, surrounded by a circle of colorful umbrellas. The umbrellas form a protective canopy over her, shielding her from the elements and creating a cozy, intimate space.
The umbrellas are all different colors and — some are bright and bold, while others are soft and muted. Together, they create a beautiful, vibrant tapestry overhead.
The little girl gazes up at the umbrellas, mesmerized by their beauty. She feels safe and secure in this magical space, surrounded by the protection and comfort of the colorful umbrellas.
(Represents: the recollection of her father’s strong protective hands).
Little girl sits by the river kneeling in the rain yellow umbrella turned up side down in the water -she places the letter to her daddy in the boat of the umbrella after kissing the letter and sets the umbrella a float) - the final letting go.
Little girl sitting on log by the river one foot in the water while holding a golden frame of a photo of her and her dad walking through the woods. Represents that even in the letting go the memory remains)
Little girl waking down the middle of the highway underneath her rainbow umbrella. Rainbow in the sky -new beginnings. ( Represents faith that new beginnings are real).😊
What does the umbrella dress itself represent?
- Protection: The umbrella dress symbolizes the girl's protective nature, or the need for her to feel protected and safe.
- Resilience: Umbrellas are often used in rainy weather, so the dress could symbolize the girl's ability to weather life's storms and emerge stronger on the other side.
Creative Direction & Article by Katrina Addison
Photography by: Addison Skye Photography | Vibe Portrait Studios
The Umbrella Dress: Designer Sybil Todd | White Knight Cosplay
Model: Aiden Dubay
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