Driving The Fantasy : Styled Thunderbird Car Photoshoot For Vicarious Lingerie
There is a specific kind of electricity that happens when the right creative minds collide in Music City. As someone who has spent over a decade navigating the Nashville scene, I’ve learned that the most stunning projects aren't just about the "shot"—they’re about the connection and the intentionality behind the lens.
Recently, I had the pleasure of bringing a long-held vision to life by connecting with local celebrity boudoir photographer Rachel Oxford. If you know Nashville’s creative circuit, you know Rachel’s work is synonymous with empowerment and a breathtaking aesthetic. She partnered with the iconic "Nashville Dolly" (the local vintage Thunderbird) to create a set that felt like a fever dream of retro Americana and modern femininity.
When I saw the thunderbird, I knew we needed to shoot, but more importantly, I knew I needed to establish the relationship for Vicarious Lingerie. Up until this point, the brand had primarily worked with freelance male photographers. I knew that to truly make this brand come to life, it needed a woman’s perspective—specifically, Rachel’s.
Rachel Oxford is notorious for building immersive, amazing sets, but her real magic lies in her technical mastery. With decades of experience, she knows exactly how to pose a subject and which angles make a body look phenomenal. I knew her expert eye would provide the elevated, sophisticated look this brand new line deserved.
The "Thunderbird Set" was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity; it was a production that hasn't been done since, and being able to connect this specific vision with a rising brand was a professional highlight for me.
The creative direction was all about cinematic contrast:
The Palette: We played with a striking blue and pink contrast—the cool tones of the car meeting the soft, flirty pinks of the lingerie.
The Lighting: We leaned into the shadows to create depth, letting the sparkles of the sequins and the chrome of the Thunderbird pop against the dark.
The Vibe: I wanted this to feel like the ultimate "Girl Power" anthem. It’s fun, it’s flirty, and it celebrates friendship and natural bodies.
While we technically designed this as a holiday set, looking at the final results, it’s clear this vibe works year-round. There’s a timelessness to a vintage car and a confident woman. I am so incredibly proud of how these turned out.
The energy on set was pure magic—a celebration of natural beauty and high shine. It’s glamorous and "extra," but it’s also a celebration of just having fun with your friends in the back of a classic car. Nashville continues to be the best playground for these kinds of collaborations, and I’m honored to have been the one to spark this one.
One of the most important aspects of this shoot for me was highlighting natural bodies. In a world of over-editing, Rachel and I wanted to showcase beauty that feels real, powerful, and un-fussy. The result is a collection of images that feel elevated yet incredibly human. It’s glamorous, yes, but it’s also a celebration of just having fun with your friends in the back of a classic car.
Nashville continues to be the best playground for these kinds of collaborations. Whether we're shooting in a retro studio or alongside a pink Thunderbird, the spirit of "Girl Power" amongst creatives is what keeps this city’s creative heart beating.
