I decided to take my 35mm Holga out for a test run yesterday. This is Clemente. He’s already a fabulous hair stylist. He’s studying to be a yoga instructor. There’s more images from the Mamiya coming soon.

Meet Jody. I did, and I immediately felt at home.

In her own words?
‘Writer, blogger. Optimist. Cancer Advocate. Working for a better world, one word at a time.”

Today is Valentine’s Day. I often refer to it as Heart Day. In all it’s commercialized glory with candy heart boxes, bouquets of roses in every color, and cute fuzzy teddy bears, I prefer to think of today in a very different way. It is a day for lovers AND friends. It is not just a day for sweethearts. It is a day to spend with those closest to you, the ones that put a piece of sunshine in your life. The one’s who give the biggest hugs, the heartiest handshakes, the loudest greetings…all of these people are part of the circle that you love. The part of the circle that probably doesn’t get told “I love you” everyday–they know the sentiment is there, but it’s not often said. These are the people that you adore. These are the people who have your back all the time. You really do love these people. You just don’t say it. Or maybe there is someone in your life that needs a bit of love, and not the kind that comes wrapped up in cellophane either. That person doesn’t understand that “I love you” isn’t reserved for those “in love.” They need to hear it spoken.

*music is Valentine’s Day by Andrew Karnavas, he’s pretty awesome, check him out HERE

It’s so important for photographers to get their faces out there. So many of our clients see us, but they don’t always “see” us. Part of what we do requires connecting with our clients/subjects. And this involves revealing our personality. Not just in how we shoot, but how we are shot.

Thanks to Ben Sassani, my clients can now see the real me. I chose Ben because he had photographed me when I modeled for the One Light Workshop here in Houston. I was impressed, especially because I do not like being on the other side of the lens. Something about his images of me, showed the real me. Thank you Ben (and his assistant Kevin) for being so patient, full of life, eager, creative and capturing me with your special style. A longer post of his images is coming soon, and you will start seeing them pop up as my main identity across my websites and social media connections, but for now here is a little preview of our session: