On the other side of the camera. Experiencing Photo Session.

Morning. Coffee and a magazine. A magazine! I did not touch one for ages. Life is fast paced no time for magazines. Work work work.

Yet… Quietness of the morning. Relaxation. Zen. This is the morning of my session with Sue Bryce. As a client/model. On the other side of the camera. I’m about to experience what clients in my studio get to experience.

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photo credit: Darren Jew

My hair is wet in a towel. I’m surrendering myself to the skillful hands of Bri Orozco, hair stylist. No responsibilities, even for my own look. I am loving this. The girl in the mirror looks a little different… and then… is it me? I am ogling my own reflection.  Cascade of curls. She is quite stunning.

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“What dress looks good? “ – Sue is asking me pointing to a marvelous collection of four dressed adorning the studio. All of them, but one is calling my name. (Yes I brought  3 dresses, and we might use them. Or not. It is up to Sue. She is an artist, and artist can not be restricted by imposing wills or desires. imho)

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photo credit: Caitlin Timmins

 

I’m surrendering to Sue’s guidance. “Chin up” “Hold it” “Head this way” “Good girl”. I’m happily following her directions. No need to think what looks good, no need to force a smile and hope it would look natural. Not my responsibility.

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Photo credit: Aaron Andersen

 

We go from fashion to vintage… Sue’s guiding dancing moves.

And then I get to experience precisely what I taught just a day prior – a fog photography.

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Photo credit: Aaron Andersen

 

The session is over. My mood is soaring. What a day. I was photographed by my inspiration and a mentor. Dreams do come true.

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photo credit: Darren Jew

 

Few days had passed. I’m back home. Weekend. We are at the local gallery. Alex is showing me something on his IPhone.

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Portrait by Sue Bryce

 

I’m speechless. She is so beautiful. That girl in the portrait. Yes I know it is me, yet there is a distance between me and her in my mind.

 

I don’t feel particularly beautiful most of the time.  Women would understand. How we look and how we feel are not of the same nature.

There is a connection though.

When we FEEL beautiful we radiate it out, it is in the skin and in the smile.

Feeling beautiful makes us beautiful.

The rest of the day I’m working on internalizing this girl in the portrait. Making her my own.  It is transformative. The distance between her and me disappearing.

And I feel like flying.

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A portrait session is not only about portraits…

We are a collective of our experiences…

5 Response Comments

  • Melissa RoyerFebruary 2, 2016 at 6:27 pm

    I love not just the images but your description of the experience. Beautiful words from a beautiful soul.

  • Diane ChappellFebruary 3, 2016 at 7:52 am

    Tatiana- I really like on the other side of the camera. It definitely gives you the perspective of the person preparing and having her photos taken,. You are blessed to be involved with such an amazing collaboration with Sue Bryce.
    I love your work Tatiana! Thanks for sharing.
    Diane

  • CaroleFebruary 3, 2016 at 10:26 am

    Thanks for sharing how it feels to be on the other side of the camera – every woman deserves to have a day like that! Also – beautiful, beautiful…everything (portraits, hair, makeup, styling, and your words).

  • Rebecca LewisFebruary 3, 2016 at 1:30 pm

    You, your words, and these images – all so beautiful.

  • Cheryl FlettFebruary 13, 2016 at 2:28 am

    So pleased you shared this Tatiana, it truly is a dream come true. So beautiful. I hope you can share more of the session with us. I love how it made you feel, as Sue says it’s changed the way you see yourself

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