She expressed that “it was fun, interesting, and a change.”
I told her to take a deep breath and think of the purpose behind these photographs. I mentioned to her that what she wanted to portray is what she should envision in her head. The more she can visualize her desired outcome, the more she projects it through her behavior and the photographs become a flowing sequence of events.
For my mother, a person who has always believed herself to be least photogenic, she was very calm and relaxed during our mini photoshoot. She neither enjoys nor hates the idea of being the subject of a photograph, rather she is very in the middle of the spectrum. Since she had never before been in a photoshoot in which all the attention was directed towards her, the new experience was in overall fun and nice to her.
We sat on her carpeted floor in her closet and talked matching colors, shoes, and patterns. Then came accessorizing the outfits. Let me tell you the little precious gems my mom had in her jewelry box. There were so many options to choose from. She put on make-up and did her hair beautifully. Very eccentric and chic! A woman with true class and style.
The entire process of getting ready from choosing the outfits to picking the perfect colored shoes and adding a little bit of flare with a necklace or ring allowed my mom to not only wear something different, but enjoy herself at the same time. She expressed that it was a warming change.
I was happy to have the opportunity to share with my mom a little bit of what goes on at a photoshoot. In fact, my mom found it very interesting. While she stood for a photo she expressed that she was very thankful for the guidance, because without it she would have `been a bit lost.
She cracked me up! Let’s be honest, sometimes there are some awkward positions that are just not appealing at all or in my mom’s case, simply not knowing where to put her hands.
In a luscious garden among 3,000 mosquitoes biting at her legs, my mom felt in her element. Her essence glistened at the company of the trees, the leaves, and the water. Where there is greenery and plenty of nature is where she most feels herself.
From this adventure with my mom I learned something very valuable. We were sitting on her bed talking about the photographs one night and she said to me that taking photographs and being photographed is all about being comfortable with yourself. Even if you have your hair messy or your legs looking weird, it’s all about what you want to reflect with what you have. ALL of what you have, the pretty and the ugly.
True natural beauty!
When you clear your mind and not think about it so much; when you get out of your own head, the more genuine and at ease the photos come out!
My favorite photograph of them all.
My true inspiration! A warrior of life and an admirable woman.
My MAMA! I love you.
~M