Mariel: Capturing Chaos at the Sad Girl Birthday Party
Mariel, a vibrant artist and creative soul, stepped into Cinderbloc Studios in Victoria's Lekwungen territory, bringing their unique vision to life in a whirlwind of colors, confetti, and cakes. As a queer and trans photographer, I thrive on capturing the essence of fellow artists like Mariel, whose dynamic energy and playful spirit shine through in every frame.
Our shoot was themed around a "sad girl birthday," where Mariel unabashedly embraced rebellion and whimsy amidst a backdrop of spilled cereal, balloons, and party supplies. Against the lush greenery of Cinderbloc's plant wall, Mariel's playful presence added an extra layer of depth to each shot.
From lounging amidst the chaos to defiantly lighting a cigarette with a candle from a rainbow cake, Mariel's performance was both captivating and liberating. It was a celebration of authenticity, creativity, and the joy of embracing the messy beauty of life.
![Mariel sits on a stool in front of Cinderbloc Studios' plant wall, wearing a green blouse and sparkly black one-piece outfit. They sport green pompom earrings, with an original art piece hanging behind them. Captured by Bertie, a queer and trans photographer passionate about celebrating artistic expression.](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0456/3556/7672/files/20240102_Victoria_BC_Mariel_Sad_Birthday_Party_and_Plant_Wall_at_CinderLoft_Studios_Digital_Size-7.jpg?v=1718064882)
![Mariel sits on a stool in front of Cinderbloc Studios' plant wall, wearing a green blouse and sparkly black one-piece outfit. They sport green pompom earrings, with an original art piece hanging behind them. Captured by Bertie, a queer and trans photographer passionate about celebrating artistic expression.](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0456/3556/7672/files/20240102_Victoria_BC_Mariel_Sad_Birthday_Party_and_Plant_Wall_at_CinderLoft_Studios_Digital_Size-8.jpg?v=1718064882)
![Mariel sits on a stool in front of Cinderbloc Studios' plant wall, wearing a green blouse and sparkly black one-piece outfit. They sport green pompom earrings, with an original art piece hanging behind them. Captured by Bertie, a queer and trans photographer passionate about celebrating artistic expression.](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0456/3556/7672/files/20240102_Victoria_BC_Mariel_Sad_Birthday_Party_and_Plant_Wall_at_CinderLoft_Studios_Digital_Size-3.jpg?v=1718064882)
![Mariel sits on a stool in front of Cinderbloc Studios' plant wall, wearing a green blouse and sparkly black one-piece outfit. They sport green pompom earrings, with an original art piece hanging behind them. Captured by Bertie, a queer and trans photographer passionate about celebrating artistic expression.](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0456/3556/7672/files/20240102_Victoria_BC_Mariel_Sad_Birthday_Party_and_Plant_Wall_at_CinderLoft_Studios_Digital_Size-11.jpg?v=1718064897)
![Mariel poses against Cinderbloc Studios' plant wall, showcasing their vibrant style in a green blouse and sparkly black one-piece outfit. Bertie, a queer and trans photographer dedicated to capturing authentic moments, captures Mariel's playful energy in every frame.](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0456/3556/7672/files/20240102_Victoria_BC_Mariel_Sad_Birthday_Party_and_Plant_Wall_at_CinderLoft_Studios_Digital_Size-12.jpg?v=1718064916)
![Mariel poses against Cinderbloc Studios' plant wall, showcasing their vibrant style in a green blouse and sparkly black one-piece outfit. Bertie, a queer and trans photographer dedicated to capturing authentic moments, captures Mariel's playful energy in every frame.](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0456/3556/7672/files/20240102_Victoria_BC_Mariel_Sad_Birthday_Party_and_Plant_Wall_at_CinderLoft_Studios_Digital_Size-13.jpg?v=1718064915)
![Mariel poses against Cinderbloc Studios' plant wall, showcasing their vibrant style in a green blouse and sparkly black one-piece outfit. Bertie, a queer and trans photographer dedicated to capturing authentic moments, captures Mariel's playful energy in every frame.](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0456/3556/7672/files/20240102_Victoria_BC_Mariel_Sad_Birthday_Party_and_Plant_Wall_at_CinderLoft_Studios_Digital_Size-14.jpg?v=1718064916)
![From above, Mariel lays on the floor amidst spilled cereal, confetti, and balloons. They wear a green blouse and sparkly black one-piece outfit, surrounded by whimsical chaos. Bertie, a queer and trans photographer, captures the rebellious yet playful essence of Mariel's performance.](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0456/3556/7672/files/20240102_Victoria_BC_Mariel_Sad_Birthday_Party_and_Plant_Wall_at_CinderLoft_Studios_Digital_Size-16.jpg?v=1718064923)
![From above, Mariel lays on the floor amidst spilled cereal, confetti, and balloons. They wear a green blouse and sparkly black one-piece outfit, surrounded by whimsical chaos. Bertie, a queer and trans photographer, captures the rebellious yet playful essence of Mariel's performance.](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0456/3556/7672/files/20240102_Victoria_BC_Mariel_Sad_Birthday_Party_and_Plant_Wall_at_CinderLoft_Studios_Digital_Size-20.jpg?v=1718064953)
![From above, Mariel lays on the floor amidst spilled cereal, confetti, and balloons. They wear a green blouse and sparkly black one-piece outfit, surrounded by whimsical chaos. Bertie, a queer and trans photographer, captures the rebellious yet playful essence of Mariel's performance.](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0456/3556/7672/files/20240102_Victoria_BC_Mariel_Sad_Birthday_Party_and_Plant_Wall_at_CinderLoft_Studios_Digital_Size-19.jpg?v=1718064954)
![From above, Mariel lays on the floor amidst spilled cereal, confetti, and balloons. They wear a green blouse and sparkly black one-piece outfit, surrounded by whimsical chaos. Bertie, a queer and trans photographer, captures the rebellious yet playful essence of Mariel's performance.](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0456/3556/7672/files/20240102_Victoria_BC_Mariel_Sad_Birthday_Party_and_Plant_Wall_at_CinderLoft_Studios_Digital_Size-23.jpg?v=1718064963)
![From above, Mariel lays on the floor amidst spilled cereal, confetti, and balloons. They wear a green blouse and sparkly black one-piece outfit, surrounded by whimsical chaos. Bertie, a queer and trans photographer, captures the rebellious yet playful essence of Mariel's performance.](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0456/3556/7672/files/20240102_Victoria_BC_Mariel_Sad_Birthday_Party_and_Plant_Wall_at_CinderLoft_Studios_Digital_Size-22.jpg?v=1718064963)
![From above, Mariel lays on the floor amidst spilled cereal, confetti, and balloons. They wear a green blouse and sparkly black one-piece outfit, surrounded by whimsical chaos. Bertie, a queer and trans photographer, captures the rebellious yet playful essence of Mariel's performance.](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0456/3556/7672/files/20240102_Victoria_BC_Mariel_Sad_Birthday_Party_and_Plant_Wall_at_CinderLoft_Studios_Digital_Size-27.jpg?v=1718064971)
![From above, Mariel lays on the floor amidst spilled cereal, confetti, and balloons. They wear a green blouse and sparkly black one-piece outfit, surrounded by whimsical chaos. Bertie, a queer and trans photographer, captures the rebellious yet playful essence of Mariel's performance.](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0456/3556/7672/files/20240102_Victoria_BC_Mariel_Sad_Birthday_Party_and_Plant_Wall_at_CinderLoft_Studios_Digital_Size-31.jpg?v=1718064984)
![From above, Mariel lays on the floor amidst spilled cereal, confetti, and balloons. They wear a green blouse and sparkly black one-piece outfit, surrounded by whimsical chaos. Bertie, a queer and trans photographer, captures the rebellious yet playful essence of Mariel's performance.](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0456/3556/7672/files/20240102_Victoria_BC_Mariel_Sad_Birthday_Party_and_Plant_Wall_at_CinderLoft_Studios_Digital_Size-29.jpg?v=1718064984)
![From above, Mariel lays on the floor amidst spilled cereal, confetti, and balloons. They wear a green blouse and sparkly black one-piece outfit, surrounded by whimsical chaos. Bertie, a queer and trans photographer, captures the rebellious yet playful essence of Mariel's performance.](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0456/3556/7672/files/20240102_Victoria_BC_Mariel_Sad_Birthday_Party_and_Plant_Wall_at_CinderLoft_Studios_Digital_Size-32.jpg?v=1718064994)
![From above, Mariel lays on the floor amidst spilled cereal, confetti, and balloons. They wear a green blouse and sparkly black one-piece outfit, surrounded by whimsical chaos. Bertie, a queer and trans photographer, captures the rebellious yet playful essence of Mariel's performance.](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0456/3556/7672/files/20240102_Victoria_BC_Mariel_Sad_Birthday_Party_and_Plant_Wall_at_CinderLoft_Studios_Digital_Size-36.jpg?v=1718065007)
![From above, Mariel lays on the floor amidst spilled cereal, confetti, and balloons. They wear a green blouse and sparkly black one-piece outfit, surrounded by whimsical chaos. Bertie, a queer and trans photographer, captures the rebellious yet playful essence of Mariel's performance.](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0456/3556/7672/files/20240102_Victoria_BC_Mariel_Sad_Birthday_Party_and_Plant_Wall_at_CinderLoft_Studios_Digital_Size-35.jpg?v=1718065007)
![Mariel sits in a corner surrounded by balloons, confetti, and party supplies, holding a cigarette and a piece of rainbow cake. They wear a green blouse and sparkly black one-piece outfit, exuding defiance and whimsy. Photographed by Bertie, a queer and trans photographer passionate about capturing authentic moments of self-expression.](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0456/3556/7672/files/20240102_Victoria_BC_Mariel_Sad_Birthday_Party_and_Plant_Wall_at_CinderLoft_Studios_Digital_Size-37.jpg?v=1718065033)
![Mariel sits in a corner surrounded by balloons, confetti, and party supplies, holding a cigarette and a piece of rainbow cake. They wear a green blouse and sparkly black one-piece outfit, exuding defiance and whimsy. Photographed by Bertie, a queer and trans photographer passionate about capturing authentic moments of self-expression.](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0456/3556/7672/files/20240102_Victoria_BC_Mariel_Sad_Birthday_Party_and_Plant_Wall_at_CinderLoft_Studios_Digital_Size-39.jpg?v=1718065033)
![In a defiant act, Mariel lights a cigarette with the flame from a candle on a piece of rainbow cake. They sit amidst spilled cereal, confetti, and balloons, embodying rebellion and liberation. Captured by Bertie, a queer and trans photographer dedicated to celebrating diverse forms of artistic expression.](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0456/3556/7672/files/20240102_Victoria_BC_Mariel_Sad_Birthday_Party_and_Plant_Wall_at_CinderLoft_Studios_Digital_Size-38.jpg?v=1718065034)
![Mariel sits in a corner surrounded by balloons, confetti, and party supplies, holding a cigarette and a piece of rainbow cake. They wear a green blouse and sparkly black one-piece outfit, exuding defiance and whimsy. Photographed by Bertie, a queer and trans photographer passionate about capturing authentic moments of self-expression.](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0456/3556/7672/files/20240102_Victoria_BC_Mariel_Sad_Birthday_Party_and_Plant_Wall_at_CinderLoft_Studios_Digital_Size-41.jpg?v=1718065053)
![Mariel sits in a corner surrounded by balloons, confetti, and party supplies, holding a cigarette and a piece of rainbow cake. They wear a green blouse and sparkly black one-piece outfit, exuding defiance and whimsy. Photographed by Bertie, a queer and trans photographer passionate about capturing authentic moments of self-expression.](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0456/3556/7672/files/20240102_Victoria_BC_Mariel_Sad_Birthday_Party_and_Plant_Wall_at_CinderLoft_Studios_Digital_Size-42.jpg?v=1718065053)
![In a defiant act, Mariel lights a cigarette with the flame from a candle on a piece of rainbow cake. They sit amidst spilled cereal, confetti, and balloons, embodying rebellion and liberation. Captured by Bertie, a queer and trans photographer dedicated to celebrating diverse forms of artistic expression.](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0456/3556/7672/files/20240102_Victoria_BC_Mariel_Sad_Birthday_Party_and_Plant_Wall_at_CinderLoft_Studios_Digital_Size-47.jpg?v=1718065076)
![In a defiant act, Mariel lights a cigarette with the flame from a candle on a piece of rainbow cake. They sit amidst spilled cereal, confetti, and balloons, embodying rebellion and liberation. Captured by Bertie, a queer and trans photographer dedicated to celebrating diverse forms of artistic expression.](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0456/3556/7672/files/20240102_Victoria_BC_Mariel_Sad_Birthday_Party_and_Plant_Wall_at_CinderLoft_Studios_Digital_Size-46.jpg?v=1718065076)
![In a defiant act, Mariel lights a cigarette with the flame from a candle on a piece of rainbow cake. They sit amidst spilled cereal, confetti, and balloons, embodying rebellion and liberation. Captured by Bertie, a queer and trans photographer dedicated to celebrating diverse forms of artistic expression.](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0456/3556/7672/files/20240102_Victoria_BC_Mariel_Sad_Birthday_Party_and_Plant_Wall_at_CinderLoft_Studios_Digital_Size-45.jpg?v=1718065076)
![In a defiant act, Mariel lights a cigarette with the flame from a candle on a piece of rainbow cake. They sit amidst spilled cereal, confetti, and balloons, embodying rebellion and liberation. Captured by Bertie, a queer and trans photographer dedicated to celebrating diverse forms of artistic expression.](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0456/3556/7672/files/20240102_Victoria_BC_Mariel_Sad_Birthday_Party_and_Plant_Wall_at_CinderLoft_Studios_Digital_Size-48.jpg?v=1718065077)
![Mariel sits in a corner surrounded by balloons, confetti, and party supplies, holding a cigarette and a piece of rainbow cake. They wear a green blouse and sparkly black one-piece outfit, exuding defiance and whimsy. Photographed by Bertie, a queer and trans photographer passionate about capturing authentic moments of self-expression.](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0456/3556/7672/files/20240102_Victoria_BC_Mariel_Sad_Birthday_Party_and_Plant_Wall_at_CinderLoft_Studios_Digital_Size-49.jpg?v=1718065076)
![Mariel sits in a corner surrounded by balloons, confetti, and party supplies, holding a cigarette and a piece of rainbow cake. They wear a green blouse and sparkly black one-piece outfit, exuding defiance and whimsy. Photographed by Bertie, a queer and trans photographer passionate about capturing authentic moments of self-expression.](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0456/3556/7672/files/20240102_Victoria_BC_Mariel_Sad_Birthday_Party_and_Plant_Wall_at_CinderLoft_Studios_Digital_Size-44.jpg?v=1718065077)
![Mariel smushes a piece of rainbow cake with their hands, surrounded by balloons, confetti, and party supplies. Their green blouse and sparkly black one-piece outfit add to the vibrant chaos of the scene. Photographed by Bertie, a queer and trans photographer committed to capturing authentic moments of creativity and self-expression.](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0456/3556/7672/files/20240102_Victoria_BC_Mariel_Sad_Birthday_Party_and_Plant_Wall_at_CinderLoft_Studios_Digital_Size-50.jpg?v=1718065076)
![Close-up of Mariel as they eat cake with their hands, their expression a mix of defiance and delight. Bertie, a queer and trans photographer passionate about celebrating individuality, captures the raw and unfiltered essence of Mariel's performance.](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0456/3556/7672/files/20240102_Victoria_BC_Mariel_Sad_Birthday_Party_and_Plant_Wall_at_CinderLoft_Studios_Digital_Size-51.jpg?v=1718065077)
![Close-up of Mariel as they eat cake with their hands, their expression a mix of defiance and delight. Bertie, a queer and trans photographer passionate about celebrating individuality, captures the raw and unfiltered essence of Mariel's performance.](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0456/3556/7672/files/20240102_Victoria_BC_Mariel_Sad_Birthday_Party_and_Plant_Wall_at_CinderLoft_Studios_Digital_Size-53.jpg?v=1718065081)
![Close-up of Mariel as they eat cake with their hands, their expression a mix of defiance and delight. Bertie, a queer and trans photographer passionate about celebrating individuality, captures the raw and unfiltered essence of Mariel's performance.](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0456/3556/7672/files/20240102_Victoria_BC_Mariel_Sad_Birthday_Party_and_Plant_Wall_at_CinderLoft_Studios_Digital_Size-60.jpg?v=1718065108)
![Close-up of Mariel as they eat cake with their hands, their expression a mix of defiance and delight. Bertie, a queer and trans photographer passionate about celebrating individuality, captures the raw and unfiltered essence of Mariel's performance.](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0456/3556/7672/files/20240102_Victoria_BC_Mariel_Sad_Birthday_Party_and_Plant_Wall_at_CinderLoft_Studios_Digital_Size-55.jpg?v=1718065107)
![Close-up of Mariel as they eat cake with their hands, their expression a mix of defiance and delight. Bertie, a queer and trans photographer passionate about celebrating individuality, captures the raw and unfiltered essence of Mariel's performance.](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0456/3556/7672/files/20240102_Victoria_BC_Mariel_Sad_Birthday_Party_and_Plant_Wall_at_CinderLoft_Studios_Digital_Size-56.jpg?v=1718065107)
![Close-up of Mariel as they eat cake with their hands, their expression a mix of defiance and delight. Bertie, a queer and trans photographer passionate about celebrating individuality, captures the raw and unfiltered essence of Mariel's performance.](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0456/3556/7672/files/20240102_Victoria_BC_Mariel_Sad_Birthday_Party_and_Plant_Wall_at_CinderLoft_Studios_Digital_Size-59.jpg?v=1718065107)
![Close-up of Mariel as they eat cake with their hands, their expression a mix of defiance and delight. Bertie, a queer and trans photographer passionate about celebrating individuality, captures the raw and unfiltered essence of Mariel's performance.](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0456/3556/7672/files/20240102_Victoria_BC_Mariel_Sad_Birthday_Party_and_Plant_Wall_at_CinderLoft_Studios_Digital_Size-58_c44ce338-323b-4d5c-96d8-be9a6ade50ff.jpg?v=1718065108)
![Close-up of Mariel as they eat cake with their hands, their expression a mix of defiance and delight. Bertie, a queer and trans photographer passionate about celebrating individuality, captures the raw and unfiltered essence of Mariel's performance.](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0456/3556/7672/files/20240102_Victoria_BC_Mariel_Sad_Birthday_Party_and_Plant_Wall_at_CinderLoft_Studios_Digital_Size-63.jpg?v=1718065120)
![Mariel smushes a piece of rainbow cake with their hands. Photographed by Bertie, a queer and trans photographer committed to capturing authentic moments of creativity and self-expression.](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0456/3556/7672/files/20240102_Victoria_BC_Mariel_Sad_Birthday_Party_and_Plant_Wall_at_CinderLoft_Studios_Digital_Size-64.jpg?v=1718065125)
![Close-up of Mariel as they eat cake with their hands, their expression a mix of defiance and delight. Bertie, a queer and trans photographer passionate about celebrating individuality, captures the raw and unfiltered essence of Mariel's performance.](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0456/3556/7672/files/20240102_Victoria_BC_Mariel_Sad_Birthday_Party_and_Plant_Wall_at_CinderLoft_Studios_Digital_Size-57.jpg?v=1718065108)