Photographer Mom Playfully Transforms Daughter’s Shadows into Dream-Like Scenes

The power of imagination can transform a simple idea into a magnificent sight. Self-taught photographer Kelly Tan showcases these magical, inspired moments in her ongoing series I Have a Dream, which features her young daughter casting extraordinary shadows that have morphed into larger-than-life creatures and scenes.

On an unassuming gray wall, Tan’s brilliant translations of reality take place: a set of building blocks becomes a giant giraffe; an open book is a soaring bird; and standing over a broom is like riding a majestic unicorn. Each is a whimsical expression of childhood innocence and fun.

All of the I Have a Dream images, in addition to Tan’s other fantastical photography, is completely shot and edited on her iPhone and iPad. She snaps pictures of her daughter posing and integrates them with stock photos, using apps like ArtStudio, Snapseed, and PSExpress to edit the disparate images into fairy tale compositions.

Kelly Tan: Instagram | Facebook | Society6
via [Adventures of Yoo]

Sara Barnes

Sara Barnes is a Staff Editor at My Modern Met, Manager of My Modern Met Store, and co-host of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. As an illustrator and writer living in Seattle, she chronicles illustration, embroidery, and beyond through her blog Brown Paper Bag and Instagram @brwnpaperbag. She wrote a book about embroidery artist Sarah K. Benning titled "Embroidered Life" that was published by Chronicle Books in 2019. Sara is a graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art. She earned her BFA in Illustration in 2008 and MFA in Illustration Practice in 2013.
Become a
My Modern Met Member
As a member, you'll join us in our effort to support the arts.
Become a Member
Explore member benefits

Sponsored Content