Every photoshoot is unique because of the individual in front of the
camera. Their life story is singular, and their ability to surmount
obstacles over the years transforms them into a stronger individual.
That is the essence of the entire photoshoot experience - to open
up, discuss life, and learn to bridge the inner self with your outer
self.
Questions arise:
Is this for me?
I'm not a model and I have no idea what I should do in
front of the camera.
Will the photoshoot be beneficial?
The answer is YES.
How else can you bridge your inner and outer selves without a
visual representation of yourself ?
I am not talking about selfies or quick and hurried images. I am talking about deeper thought of you in portraits. The one that you can put on your walls and be proud of image of You.
Meet Heidi, my client for the 40 OVER 40 photoshoot. Heidi is 46
years old and holds a PhD in linguistics. Heidi had never
experienced a photoshoot before. I am always excited to
photograph someone who is entirely new to portrait photography,
someone who is unfamiliar with what it entails to pose in front of a
camera and has no idea of the outcomes,
We collaborated closely with Heidi. Throughout the
photoshoot, we engaged in meaningful conversations about life
and shared perspectives. I guided her on how to pose to achieve
beautiful portraits, and she trusted me to create something
remarkable.
Heidi reflects:
"I don’t feel that reaching a certain age suddenly grants you
understanding. At 46, I've learned more about myself through this
photoshoot experience. It's always about your mindset. As I
approached 40, I began to truly understand myself. It often takes
until 40 to reach this point, at least from my experience."
When asked what advice she would offer her younger self, Heidi
shared:
"The way I see it, it is obviously natural that when you get to a
certain age you look back and you think: did I make the right
decision? But I made decisions that at the time I felt were the right
ones for me (and continue to make decisions on this basis).
Therefore, I don’t look back because I do not think that's the way
to live your life. I feel I am changing all the time but that's because I
am open to changes, I like to develop personally, and I am a very
curious person. In your 20s you don’t know what your life will be
like when you are 25; in your 30’s you don’t know what your life is
going to look like when you’re in your 40’s. We only have one life
and I do not see the point of looking back. There’s probably
decisions I’ll make in my 40’s that perhaps I wouldn’t make in my
50’s, and so it continues!”
During photoshoots, I initially lead the way in demonstrating what
to do, but then we switch roles, and I follow your lead with the
camera. It becomes easier to be in front of the camera when you
understand the process and see the resulting images.
One of the images from Heidi's photoshoot was exceptional,
prompting me to submit it to The Portrait Masters competition in
the summer round of 2024, where it received a Bronze with
Distinction. I am immensely proud to have captured a moment of
artistry with someone who initially had no idea what to do in front
of the camera.
