My View of You: Facing The Camera

For quite some time the camera has been a multi-tool for me.  It has been my tool of trade; that catalyzed the work/travel across country.  It has been a bridge that brought a diverse collection of people from different careers, with various interests, social standing, & backgrounds into my life. It has been my companion, the only thing in the car with me at times, as I traveled.  It was a constant.  The only way I could bring the places I traveled to the people I care about.  The camera was my voice at times, when I couldn't seem to express what I was thinking or feeling.  I have even used it as a shield to keep others from getting too close. It has most importantly been my teacher. I have learned what the camera and I brought to each other, but I have learned it has taught me more about people than I ever realized.  The camera has required that I become a studier of people.  Photography for me is more than "what is their best angle?"  It is more important for me to find out WHO they are and figuratively speaking, photograph their soul.  We are so much more than what we do, where we go,  and how much money we have have/spend.  Who are you when nothing stands between you and my lens?  My goal is to photograph the authentic, true heart of a person.  With that said, so much plays into how I observe people before photographing them.  Their interactions with others, body language, eye contact, tones, and of course what they say, as well as that wealth of information in what they don't say, all comes together to help me see the true person.  All this has to be observed and translated within minutes.  The most important element when photographing people isn't great hair, makeup, or sucking in that tummy they have kept meaning to work on; it is trust.  The camera is a mirror that offers the reflection to others instead of themselves.  It will reveal their insecurities to everyone!!!  It reveals that and your true self; which is probably much prettier than you think. The secret is, if you just relax, trust the artist behind the camera, and stop worrying about the tool in between you both- you will be better off: before, during, and in the final product of your photoshoot.

What I have noticed over the years is how we see ourselves so inaccurately.  This started me thinking about how nervous I get when I am in front of the camera and how I would rather cover my face with my proverbial "blankie"/camera.  It was time for me to take a look at me. So I procrastinated. Being a people person I decided to learn from others, collect data, and then face me armed with information.  And thusly, this project took root in my mind.  I wanted to show a few of those (within my reach) around me how others see them or in this case how I see them.

So it begins.  Look out…I am still recruiting my "models/victims."
The requirements.
They do not get to tell me how to photograph them.  (Newsflash: Photographers don't like being told HOW to do their job anymore than you do.)
They do not get to do excessive primping, wardrobe planning, etc.  In fact, they don't get much warning before their shoot so that they can't cheat on this rule.
They do not get to see the back of the camera or samples before their finished product.
Essentially, they are completely letting go of all control & placing trust in someone else, me.

So here is Victim #1:
Bonnie:
Bonnie is a close friend and a talented artist/photographer.  She is an introvert by nature.  She doesn't ever go into any room vying to be the center of attention.  She is calm.  She is steady.  She is consistent.  Don't be fooled, she is ever growing and bettering herself by taking stock of her strengths to hone and weaknesses to strengthen.  She has high expectations of herself and is one of the most forgiving, encouraging, and challenging truth tellers I know. A friend that will tell you the truth vs what you want to hear is valuable.  For all that she is, she hates the front side of the camera like so many; women in particular.
Photographing your friends and family….  is ridiculously difficult (mentally).  They don't just go along with what you ask.  They debate to put it nicely. They know you. They will push you; because to them, you are their friend or family first and a professional photographer second.

Bonnie was a trooper.  Oh I got plenty of, "Are you kidding me?" "I hate this!" "Please hurry up." "Are we done now!?" And all those were only through her body language and facial expressions.

Victim #2 (you will meet later) was VERBAL in her protests.

Back to Bonnie, she has been a trusted confidant about the brightest, as well as, darkest days of my life.  She is truly one of the strongest, deepest, most understanding, and loyal people I know.

Let me introduce you to her: