Getting Personal

As I look back on my images in the past year, surprisingly, it is not the beauty of them that makes me proud, but rather, my consistent desire to capture my subjects as they truly are. Let me explain a little what I mean by this. Every day we are judged by people, whether they are peers or strangers. We don’t have control over their ultimate conclusion—and a lot of times, it is incorrect. Sometimes it works to our favor and other times, it is hurtful. At first, I took a lot of pictures the way I wanted them to be, the way I saw them. So what is it that I am proud of? It is the ability to let my subjects shine, as the person they see themselves as and wished others saw in them. Ultimately, the shoot isn’t about me and what I see—it’s about them and their light and their personality. Sometimes we get stuck in a persona or a stereotype not of our asking. Don’t we all wish that some of those we know and those we have yet to meet—can see the person we truly are, the way we see ourselves? After all, we do know ourselves best.

While a picture is two dimensional, there is a definite third that can shine through—and that, is through their eyes. A simple tilt of the face or a slight smile, or a sassy glint in the eyes—these all evoke an emotion. This is the way humans really are. It isn’t a picture of another beautiful face posing and smiling—but, rather of a woman who cannot be described in just a few words. She requires many words, infinite words, words that sometimes elude her audience. To me, it is that sense of mystery about her that should be captured.

Beautiful. Natural. Loveable, Kayla {2012 Senior)

iheartfaces {by the book}

It's been a while since I've participated in these challenges. I miss the fun, creativity and anticipation that comes along with it. Now that I feel like I have more free time to spare and do the things that I enjoy, here's my entry for this week's challenge, "By the Book". Check out all the other entries at I Heart Faces!

A New Year

Hello everyone! I know it has been awhile. I miss you all and am so glad to be back! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday and is having a great start to 2012. It's going to be an amazing year--I just know it!

I left 2011 behind feeling more refreshed and ready than ever for new changes and prospects in my life, and, in photography. Even though 2011 started off a bit shaky, it ended up being a great year! I started last year completely uncertain of myself (especially with only a year into photography). It was so difficult to throw myself out there without any previous knowledge, a mentor, or even knowing what my style was. The only thing I was certain of was 1) my love for photography and 2) the deep and profound desire I had to become better as a photographer. It truly was a very difficult time for me. So, without any guidance I started my journey, gauge on “lost”, trying to find “ME” imprinted in my work. As I have previously mentioned, it wasn’t until I joined the “I Heart Faces” forum and connected with other photographers that I eventually saw what I was looking for—through their eyes, I saw ME. My style was always there…present from day one—through the consistency in my editing and my own style of shooting. As crazy as it may sound, I was so focused on learning and getting better that I forgot to take a look and really see the work I’d been producing. The images I produced and have continued to produce—all incorporate the essence of what I’m drawn to naturally. After that epiphany, I went into my shoots with a clearer purpose and vision, editing with an actual understanding of what I was doing, and why. From then on, everything sort of just…fell into place. There’s that saying, when you do something with a purpose and with passion, people will take notice. I'm still in so much shock, and still so humbled by the exposure I've received through the “I Heart Faces” website. I am so thankful for it and for the people who graciously reached their hands out to me. You guys are amazing!

I am also extremely grateful for the warmth, love, and support from my family, friends, and fans (old and new). You were all a part of what helped to make 2011 better than I could have ever imagined. The experiences I had, through successes and failures, from 2011 has me feeling ready to tackle 2012, a better person and photographer. My goal for this year is to work on the side that has been quite a struggle for me, the dreaded business side (I am definitely all artist). I'm also going to continue to elevate my craft by trying new things and be okay with saying no (the latter has been a tough one for me as well).

With that said, here's to trying something new—my very first boudoir session with the incredibly beautiful Ellen! This shoot was crafted with my vision of what it means to be “sexy”…a little softness here, a touch of romance there, and the innocence of anticipation. Enjoy!

And do stay tuned for details of my very first giveaway on Facebook.  If you aren't already a fan, become one!  You don't want to miss it!