Greetings!

As weeks go, this one has been pretty good. Visiting with friends, taking naps, and a couple of nice photo shoots.

I’m sure the peak of the week for me was meeting Dimity Willaims, a young lady I hadn’t shot with for 12 years. That means the last time we worked together, I had been shooting for two years, and she was probably 18. We both had grown considerably, her in life and me in figuring out a bit more about light and angles and some editing.

She was just visiting the area and happened to be staying in a very lovely AirB&B, so we took advantage of that, as you will see. She’s such a sweet and caring young lady. We might get another shoot in before the heads off into the wind again. I hope so.

It has been a week filled with electronic projects that, frankly, I was doubtful I could accomplish with any degree of success. There is little to make my week better than a few projects actually working and a good solid artistic shoot. Good week!

I had a pleasant conversation with a new model. New to me anyhow. She has a strikingly beautiful face, so I’m excited to work with her if we get that far in our communications. As I do with all models that are new to me, we chat a little about what our goals are in a shoot. And I always ask them what their comfort level is. Implied nude, classy nude, or neither? This helps me plan what we would shoot if we did get together.

Some seem to think I might expect them to step out of their box and do something they are uncomfortable with. I watch for that response and make sure she knows this is not the case. Occasionally, I’ll have someone who wants to try nude for the first time. If this is the case, I will sit with them for a few minutes and see where their head is and what their family/friends situation is. I ensure they know it is a one-way street, especially with today’s social media. I will offer that we try some nude work just for them to see and experience. This allows them to test those waters without fear of anyone seeing them. It gives them time to think about it after the fact. Most importantly, it lets them see themselves in a whole different light. A beautiful image turned into art is far more beautiful than the harsh reality of a mirror.

I have shot some with the understanding that the nudes go nowhere by my drive and their hands. To this day, there are probably six to eight sets of people who I specifically don’t post or publish their images if they are nude. But, when they are in their eighties, they can look back at their youthful beauty and hopefully smile with the memories of those days.

Now, think of someone you love and call them or give them a hug. For some, this is their last day with us. Make a memory, even if it’s just a smile.

And, we have a new photography class scheduled for May 11th!! It will be the third annual natural light class with Elley as the model. I’ll be adding a single light to the mix this year and Elley will have some new and unique outfits. Last year a good number of people who attended had come to the first one. They knew just how much fun it is. After five hours of shooting everyone was happy and exhausted.

Check it out!!

To be a great conversationalist, ask questions and listen. Repeat.

“Be curious, not judgemental” - Walt Whittman

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