These two are actually sisters, shot at different times. I’ve done a few pregnancy shoots, and the goal for me is to capture not just the rounded beautiful bodies, but the love and expectation that these women feel.
Unapologetically Bottomless
Heather and I get a little silly at times (gotta have fun while shooting, it’s my law), and I was seeing and shooting way too many just topless shots, so we decided to reverse that concept. I love the look in her eyes…a hint challenging yet at the same time, perfectly natural standing there.
Revisiting Vulnerability
Going to get a little more personal here today. I shot this self portrait last week since I haven’t done that in years. I’m definitely more comfortable behind the camera, which meant it was time to confront those nervous feelings. I’m going to be completely honest here…the range of thoughts and emotions that went through me during that 30 minutes varied widely. Some thoughts congratulated my willingness to do this, while other thoughts were more negative towards my body type. Some thoughts raised me up, while others tried to knock me down. It was like I was split halfway, one part subject, one part photographer. I allowed the photographer side to take over, eased into it more, and forgot about the negatives (ugh…photographer pun not intended). My role as the photographer is to make the subject feel good (while geeking out over gear) so I did just that. This was done with a timer, so there was a lot of hopping back and forth to reset the camera and look at the shots to see what I needed to adjust. Shoulders back. Leg a little to the left. All that fun stuff I usually use to direct others. By the end, I was having fun!
Yes, I’m aware of my body type. And I don’t hate it anymore. Yes, I’m aware that dropping weight will make me healthier…I’m working on it and already feeling better. It’s been a struggle and I take full responsibility for it all. That’s not the point of this though. The point was to confront some things and I did. I don’t know what I’ll look like in a year or even three months. But this is me now. And I accept that. To all those that have wanted to try this and hesitated: don’t worry. You’re fucking fabulous 😉
Red
Sorting by color today…rained all day yesterday, so I’m in the mood for a pop of color!
Black and White Nude
I love working with a team…but I love being one on one with people too. This young woman has been doing figure modeling on the side for quite some time…other careers have included management and the Peace Corps, and now she’s getting her Masters. This shoot took place in just under an hour with some chatting. I’ll show you more in an upcoming entry, but that one will require more writing time. I love the elegance in her movements!
Instruments
….and continuing with the music theme from yesterday. Sometimes instruments can make pretty cool props! 
Music
I think that photographing people “doing their thing” is one of the best ways to capture them. This works especially well with musicians…I like to let them play for a bit so they get to that intense place where they can forget I’m even there and just play naturally. The cellist used to babysit for me, btw! I grew up pretty close to Juilliard and had some pretty awesome musicians live with the family.
Have you ever been photographed “doing your thing?” If so, how was the experience for you?
Fireplace
Note: only put a model in the fireplace if it is clean, and more importantly, not lit…
Vintage Glamour
I am one sleepy girl this week…but vintage style always cheers me up. It’s fun to shoot…in the film days, I used to stain prints with tea and lightly burn the edges to get that look. Um, away from all the chemicals of course!
I find vintage style to be a great way for first time subjects to play around with the concept of sexy. It can range from just a hint of leg peeking out from a robe, to quite nude! Up to you how you want to do it!
Waterfall
Sometimes you have to get out of your normal setting, ditch your lighting setup, and go for a walk. Straight up a mountain. I think poor Heather was devoured by mosquitos that day…what a trooper.
LizZusev 