Having friends who are incredible photographers is honestly something I don’t take advantage of that often, and probably should. Being in front of the lens is always a refreshing, and humbling experience. Let me share my experience being the subject of a portrait shoot, along with some images I created.
I have known Brad for quite some time, first on social media and then finally meeting in person at a photographer’s retreat a few years ago. He has a wedding and commercial photography business, Brad Smith Photography, based in Rhode Island. I’m not sure what drew me to his work, maybe it was the use of light and dramatic compositions in his wedding images. Anyway, we have become friends and I made the trip down to see his studio space and play with light and talk photography.
I started photographing him and loved working with more powerful light sources. Here are some of my favorites.
Now it was my turn to be in front of the camera. Having knowledge of posing and light went completely out the window simply by the change of perspective. I couldn’t see what I looked like and I suddenly became hyper-aware of anything that was making me uncomfortable; the shirt was a tad snug, my hat was off to one side… What did my face look like, did I use my trick to get rid of the double chin?
Mind you, this all happened within a split second and then I was given direction. A simple direction to just look down. All that doubt vanished, and all I heard was the directions I was getting. The trust I had in the photographer before the camera came up was back and when some doubts and self-consciousness crept in I knew it was temporary and that the photographer was seeing something better in the camera. That is what a good photographer can do. Take you out of your own head and letting you be yourself in trust. Something I strive for with every person whom I photograph.
Needless to say, I am really happy with the images of me that came out of that little adventure, I even added them to my about page. Plus, having the experience my clients have when they are photographed was refreshing for sure. Here are a few more that I loved. He really knew my personality. From my hat to my laugh. Thank you, Brad, it was truly a pleasure being in front of your camera.
