I get it….having your photo taken is awkward. I’m not talking about family photos….I’m talking about YOU…just YOU being in front of the camera.
It’s one of those things that makes me extremely nervous too. However, I have been to several photography retreats where not only did we photograph our beautiful surroundings, but we also snapped photos of one another. While at first it seemed a little strange, after a few hours of being around fellow photographers (from beginners to seasoned pros), it all seemed pretty natural. And before you knew it we were all jumping off rocks wearing tutus trying to get the best airborne, action shots….but that’s another post.
Anyway, I wanted to share my latest head shot session with you that I did for my friend Vanessa (who happened to be at one of those retreats, and yes she also wore a tutu). Vanessa emailed me and asked if I would be available to take some head shots for her. She wanted an updated photo for Facebook and Linked-In and I was honored and happy to capture these images for her. She drove down from The City and we headed up to one of my favorite locations, Pichetti Vineyards.
On the way to our shoot, she told me that she was nervous and that she felt a little awkward doing this. She also expressed her concern that she wouldn’t take a “good” photo. Sound familiar? I tried to reassure her that it would be great. That we would have fun and chat and walk around the vineyards…oh and yes, I’d be snapping along the way.
At first, I could tell that Vanessa was a bit self-conscious. But we just talked through it and I gently guided her to sit here, put her arm there, look this way, etc. And before you know it, things began to flow so naturally and we captured a TON of fabulous photos. Some were definitely more of you “Linked-In” variety but the majority were of Vanessa, in the moment enjoying the space that we were in and being her authentic self…a gorgeous woman, who is kind, generous, and caring. Just look at these photos….she is radiant! Would you ever guess that she was nervous? I LOVE them all!
I have to tell you, that during our time together I had, as Oprah would say, an “Ah, ha” moment. I realized that we, as women, NEED to have photos like this taken….not for Linked-In, not for Facebook, but for ourselves. Whether or not you share these images really doesn’t matter. What matters is that you do this for yourself, that you document who you are today…..an amazing, beautiful woman, who deserves to be on the other side of the camera.
So think about it for a moment without judgement. Try and quiet such thoughts as, “What would I do with these photos?” or “It would feel too strange.” I encourage you to push yourself to do something out of your comfort zone and if you need to do so, bring a good girlfriend to join you….I promise, I’ll make it an enjoyable experience where we will capture you in a natural setting just as you are…no lights, backdrops or awkward poses. And just think we can end the session (or start) with a glass of wine to toast beautiful YOU!
