Scandia with Anika

Portrait Slam at Scandia

One of the upsides of a quiet springtime is more time to edit past photos, especially from the busy times last fall. These photos from Portrait Slam at Scandia in Sacramento were a huge favorite adventure for us. We were inspired by American Horror Story: Coven. Especially since we visited when the haunted house was open. The haunted house, also known as the Wussmaker, is a massive passion project with handprinted elements and theme rooms. We were lucky enough to get a little backstage tour so we could take a few photos in the twists and spooky turns. Another highlight was in the arcade.

We used a photography technique where one person held a light near Anika's face (our phone flashlight and or a real flashlight) and then the person would move so I could take another image and "paint them out". It was a little tricky in places little the arcade when the lights changed in the background between shots but it mostly worked out.

Our modern witch became a homecoming queen that may be trapped, or may be trapping you in the scary maze. Oh, and the Normal People Scare Me* sweatshirt is another reference to American Horror Story.

We brought the monster feet slippers as well, thinking they would be fun in the arcade. And then the little village on the miniature golf course was perfect for a monster-wander.

Outings like these feel like they really belong to another world these days. We value the adventures so much. And we'll appreciate them even more when we can go exploring again.