I was asked to present, as well as lead a styled shoot, at a workshop recently. I knew that I didn’t want a “model” who just showed up at the time of the session and that for this to be meaningful I needed to take the attendees through my process. That meant that I was going to take the woman I would be photographing through my entire process.
This woman was one of the attendees and volunteered to go through my process and be photographed. We dug deep during our discovery call and our planning session. It was interesting having other people photograph her because I’m so protective of my clients and want to make sure that they are comfortable with anyone behind the camera. I did my best to educate the attendees beforehand on Jenna’s discovery call and what we had uncovered. The point was to have the attendees see the depths I go with the women I photograph. These are not just “pretty photographs” they are a chance to give a life-changing experience to our clients.
I asked her to talk about her experience, as I believe it’s always important to get feedback from the other side.
Here are her answers:
Why did you initially reach out to me about a session?: I first learned about you from TMA podcast. I remember you saying something about “showing someone a version of themselves (your perspective) that they’ve never seen before.” I remember thinking ‘who wouldn’t invest in that?!’
When the opportunity of a lifetime presented itself… I jumped!
How did you feel after seeing my website and filling out that inquiry form? Were you nervous? Excited? A mix?: I was so excited. And so all in. I felt like I could instantly trust you and knew I had to pour my heart out to really allow you in.
How did the idea of my process (spending a lot of time planning and getting to know you in-depth) make you feel?: Great. There was no stone left unturned. Even if there were parts I was unsure of, I knew you had it handled.
What was it that pushed you to hire me? Did you talk to other photographers first? : I’ve had other photographers photograph my family before but they were always rushed mini sessions. For both cost and convenience and I have since learned my lesson. I think for you, it comes through that you truly care. That this is very much collaborative and not just another client under your belt.
Did you enjoy the planning process with me? What did you love about it? Was there anything you wish would have been different?: Yes absolutely. We were limited in our time and setting since this was a teaching opportunity for you but I think if there was anything we could have planned different I am so drawn to your water images. Under water, bath, shower etc.
How did you feel driving to your session day-of?: I had a lot of adrenaline in that hour or so beforehand and I felt giddy/nervous. I think it would have felt different if it were just me and you and no one else.
How long did it take you to start to feel comfortable in front of the camera? Was it immediate? Did it take a while? What do you think happened for you to start to feel comfortable and get into a fluid groove?: I think I was the same amount of uncomfortable throughout the entire shoot. I cant say it was 100% easy and stress free but I dont think there was any real difference from beginning to end for me. Everyone there was so professional and complimentary, I left on a definite high.
How did you feel during the session?: Tried not to blush. Tried to embrace and really appreciate the moment. There were certain points when other attendees wanted me to do something specific with my hands or lips that I felt like I kind of didnt get it so that sometimes felt awkward. But overall I felt confident and that steady adrenaline rush.
How did you feel leaving your session and the couple of days that followed?: We actually texted and discussed this a little bit. I had some anxiety. I told Shannon I had felt that way some times before in my life whenever something big, exciting, or boundary pushing ever happened in my life. It was like a ‘coming down’ off the high feeling. People were posting me to their stories and tagging and that was an odd experience. The images were beautiful but you cant really prepare yourself for the first time your naked body is out on the internet.
What did it feel like waiting to see your curated photographs?: I was excited but calm. I had to put off the meeting for much longer than I had hoped due to family emergency and lack of childcare (I wanted to give my full attention to our meeting). I knew it would be a really special thing to see for the first time so I didn’t want to rush it.
Did you enjoy the ordering session? Did it feel overwhelming? Did you feel like I held your hand enough? Did you feel confident in your choices of photographs and art?: Yes!! The meeting was so fun and easy. As a photographer myself though, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have the urge to put every single photo into those mockup frames. Theres something about selecting and changing them out myself to see but there were so many times that I needed your guidance and your eye. If I could say one thing I may have spent more time on it would be the framing details and options. Im super simple and I know I love the frame we chose because Ive worked with it before but I might play with some other options just to be 100% sure.
Are you keeping this private or telling your friends about this session? Is this something you would recommend to your friends to do themselves?: Im going to share these with my hubby for his birthday in September.
Do you think we will create art again in the future (there is no wrong answer. I know for some this is a once in a life-time type session. For others they want to do it every few years or have family photographs taken)?: My dream is to bring my family down to Florida and do a session with you on the beach!
Is there anything else you want me to know? Any takeaways? Anything you learned about yourself?: I just want to say thank you so much. You have a special gift for making someone feel comfortable and valued. I want to shout your praises from the rooftops.
