So much can be said with a photograph, and so much of that in portraiture comes from expression. As an artistic photographer I analyze the details to uncover expressions beyond smiles. These expressions tell us magnitudes about a person's attitude, outlook, confidence, tenderness, strength, past, present, dreams. So, it's beyond a 'perfect' smile that I find images that intrigue me and that speak honestly of my subjects.
I enjoyed this session to the point my cheeks hurt, and as we progressed through the session I could see more clearly these honest, genuine, and unique aspects. We have so many layers and one is always just hinting of another. Some of my favorite images from our session were during the laughter and honesty, it's always more the just asking for a smile... (which I rarely do). In the process of being with clients we find comfort and dialogue together that allows those 'obligatory smiles' to take the back seat.
It's an extremely opening experience to 'just' have your portrait done for the sake of connecting with YOU. It's a must for each of us to discover yourself, with confidence, beautifully, honestly, and openly. It's putting your best foot forward, don't we all deserve to feel good about ourselves?
