Even though I made a lot of mistakes, my first portrait shoot 5 years ago is my favorite. It was with Cathy…. She had the most amazing blue eyes. Her hair was super long and hadn’t been cut in a while. Since I was just starting out in photography, I approached her at a friend’s party and offered her a free makeover and photo shoot. I shared with her my dream of adding photography to my makeup business and how I was excited to work with her. She agreed as long as I wouldn’t cut too much of her hair.
We made an afternoon of it. What I enjoyed most, was watching Cathy check herself out in the mirror with that, I-look-hot look. And winning her trust to cut her hair was very rewarding.
Although, I overexposed and badly placed the lighting, I won the prize for connecting with my subject. I know many photographers wouldn’t share their bad or beginning work. I think its important to look at how much you’ve improved. I also discovered that my strengths are putting people at ease and having a genuine rapport with my subjects. She had no idea that the lighting was horrible and that I failed at showing off her beautiful blue eyes. She loved her expression and the experience. And for me, that made it all worth while. Thank you Cathy for helping me learn my strengths and what I needed to improve. If you ever get to Atlanta, I promise to make a better photo of you!
Here are some recent before and afters… I think its safe to say, that I know my lighting now. 😁
