The Canopy With Vanessa
I like to share experiences and meet new people often so I decided, spontaneously of course, to gather models and do some photoshoots in ordinary places. First stop, a blank canvas at The Canopy, where Sa-ten resides in the East side of Austin.
I met Vanessa there on a weekday afternoon to avoid some big crowds, sun was out, the vibe high! I had never met Vanessa in person before and had only exchanged messages for a short time before meeting this day. I had a good feeling it was going to be great as long as I was honest about my expectations. I have found being honest about my abilities, goals and expectations sets a great foundation to something like this. The expectations to be perfect is off, the vibe becomes very positive and down to earth, everyone has more of a looser feeling when performing.
When she arrived she came with a mini wardrobe, her turquoise pants the highlight of the options, so I obviously wanted to start there! My only goals going into this project were simple, make the most out of a very plain space, utilizing poses and compositions. While also maintaining communication with Vanessa and connection with my own goals in mind, not get lost in my head and become mute during the shoot.
Vanessa has experience modeling for several years, and she was so kind, fun loving and just overall sensational in her abilities. It really made the whole experience very easy and fun!
Here is the finished product! I am overall very satisfied with the results, accomplishing my goals while also meeting a very talented, not to mention, sweet individual! We had fun playing with angles, poses and movement to capture different moods and a different looking shot than the last. I was very happy using this space, it has always attracted and intimidated me for a photoshoot location, so I obviously needed to conquer it!
We even stumbled upon a super cute trailer, turned retail shop in the back which perfectly tied into her retro style look! It really couldn’t have unfolded more perfectly than that!
Things I learned
Be honest and straightforward from the beginning as to what goals you are trying to reach. Vanessas was so accommodating and understand in helping me accomplish that goal.
Don’t stay in once place for too long. Move move move! It has become second nature now, and I noticed during this shoot, I didn’t want to take more than a couple photos from the same place as I wanted to have a variety of compositions to go through in post editing.
It’s ok to compliment them anytime I wanted. I word vomit complaints, that’s me, and I learned to stop being so apologetic about it. I know this doesn’t seem like a big deal, but it really made me feel more relaxed to be myself and not apologize all the time for complimenting them too much. I’m pretty sure there are no limits on how many complaints to give and people love it!
Expose in a variety of ways. I had so much creative freedom having numerous options of images to edit. Creative freedom in post is a dream, why not take advantage of that under of overexposed picture and make that into art as well!
These of course are my own personal goals, experiences and findings. It is different for every artist and there is no right or wrong way to make art y’all!
Model : https://www.instagram.com/givemecashmere/
3 tips to prep for a photoshoot
Everyone that I photograph can be models, but this beautiful human here wanted to really strive to be that. We worked together to accomplish his wants and vision for this shoot and you know I'm a laid back kinda gal, so we hit up UT for some sunrise photo magic.
You may not always know what to do to prepare for a shoot, so here are a 3 tips to use and know when you want to hire a photographer.
1. Interwebs is your first stop to gain inspiration.
So you snagged a awesome photographer! ;) I ask if you have any ideas of your shoot, and you draw a blank. You know you've seen some stuff you like but can't recall the details. Look up some inspiration on Pinterest or Google! You don't have to know what it is your are looking for, just save images that speak to you then send them to me via email. I'll look them over and can gather info, ask questions and pick out further ideas to make this shoot a reality. If you have no idea and open to anything, thats great! I'll pick your brain and come up with something that directly reflects you.
2. Comfy clothes!
Please for the love of all that is holy wear clothes you are comfortable in. That doesn't mean wearing something that doesn't make you feel great. We have all heard that saying, 'beauty is pain'? Scratch that shit. Lookie here my friend, it is super important to me that you have a great time during this special occasion. (because lets admit, photoshoots are not a daily occurrence, there for a special occasion) That will not happen when you are constantly adjusting yourself and uncomfortable clothes you otherwise wouldn't wear. Feeling great is also being comfortable, I'll see the confidence and joy pouring through you much more verses you constantly distracted with your outfit riding, itchy or inflicting blisters. So high heel fans, be sure to bring a comfy pair of shoes. Some photos won't have your feet in them, and that will be the time to take a break from the heels to prolong the comfort of your feet.
If you need help with that, bring that up at the consultation and I will be there to help say 'yes' or 'no' to outfits you are unsure about.
3. Trust the process!
The day of the shoot has arrived, you are ready to go! You're having a good time and your photographer is doing some real crazy shit, jumping around, getting different angles. For some its hard to see what it is exactly the photographer is trying to capture from where you stand. Trust the process! When you put your trust in the hands of your photographer, you are letting go of full control and soley focusing on having fun! Thats exactly what I want to see and capture. It will be the opposite of that when I keep seeing you eyeing the camera with confusion. Let go, have a good time, don't be afraid to laugh and smile! Capturing the authentic you is exactly what we want on paper, don't be afraid to look funny. I will capture the moments where you are at your most stunning, so come gallery reveal time, you will feel as great about yourself seeing the photos as you did when we took them.
Visit my contact page to book a Senior/solo, couples or boudoir.
