I didn’t know how to start this blog post. I sat in front of my computer screen with my cursor pulsating on a blank page. I thought and thought and thought, but only the feelings I felt during this particular portrait shoot came to mind. “Why would people like to read about my feelings behind the camera, when clearly it is all about the individuals I photographs and the portrait moments I capture?”
Pacing back and forth behind my chair with my index finger gently upon my lips, my cursor waited. He waited patiently, in silence, with only his pulsating motions that felt faster with my every glance. My cursor and I have been here before. He and I play this staring game far too often. In the end he always wins. I some how convince myself that the idea in my head is far more interesting than anything standing in the way.
So I write to you, because as a creative, feelings are important.
At a first glance these may just be some portraits of a beautiful young woman with pretty lighting. You are not wrong, because for the most part they are. I am not going to sit here and tell you otherwise. However, I am going to sit here and express that from the moment I came into contact with Jess until the last edited photograph, I felt so entirely energized. This tingly surge through my body as if I was about to create something that screams “MARIA.” I call this feeling: Inspiration. I welcome her with arms wide open every chance I get. Inspiration is my friend and when I feel her fervently, I know that everything is going to be a breeze.
In the course of 2 days we brainstormed outfits, make-up, hair, and locations. Beyond the relationship between client and photographer, I wanted this portrait experience to be comfortable, fun, and personal. When I received those text messages from Jess trying on outfits, I smiled. When the red tide ruined our beach location, another fellow photographer recommended a magical place. Everything fell into place like the vision of softness in my head. Yes, softness!
It was not a castle or a breath taking landscape. No! It was a coral wall naturally decorating the sides of a traffic street. All I needed was some remnants of the ocean and the sun to guide me. It all sounds simple, but to me it was paradise. I felt so connected to my camera, to the little composition through my view-finder, to directing Jess, to my movements and risks. Every portrait I mastered, I celebrated. We jumped into the water, climbed some rocks, and stood on railings. We pretty much did anything and everything for the simple act of gladness!
As photographers we may not share all our feelings that go into making your memories visual realities, but know that we are and must risk the feeling of delight for only then will we know what it is to be there with you enjoying every second we get with our cameras! Meet Jess, a beautiful goddess.
Cheers,
~M
