Being Shot

Photo by Justin Hackworth

We were victims of a shooting and it wasn't painful at all. In fact, I think everybody should be treated to a personal photo shoot. (Check out Justin's blog to see how we did.) I picked up some tricks that even amateurs could use on friends who need a shot of self-esteem.

Shooting Tips

1. Loosen up your target. Ask them about themselves and really listen to their answers. Let them feel important.
   
2. Tell a killer joke, and then laugh at the ones they shoot back at you.
3. Bombard them with compliments. "You have a beautiful clavicle." "Just act natural. You're perfect." "I want to capture you the way you are."
4. Catch the details of their stories, and refer back to them, while you catch the details of their face.
   
5. Aim to please—welcome signs, water bottles, chocolate truffles . . . anything that signals it's their special day.
   

Then whip out your Coolpix and shoot 'em where they stand. With such gallant treatment, they won't even care what the photos look like!

In our case we got it all—preferential treatment, a free photo-shoot, and great results. Justin's studio is in a 100-year-old building overlooking the exact center of downtown Provo. Lofty molded ceilings, a wooden staircase and a gorgeous dark red wall add to the ambiance. But it's not just the atmosphere. Cool equipment that's the real deal, an artist's eye for light and shadow, plus experience and talent make Justin's photos one-of-a-kind.

Being shot in black and white for posterity was unique. Getting a shot of self-esteem shouldn't be so rare. Recharge some batteries—hold your own photo shoot and make someone you care about feel beautiful!