Thursday, April 22, 2010

Being Shot


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!

14 comments:

Jenny P. said...

This is an excellent idea... self esteem building before shooting. It makes marvelous sense.

And WHAT a lovely photo!

Christie said...

Your picture is fantastic! I love the light in both your eyes - you are both so pretty!

Tiffany said...

I love the pictures. Love them, love them, love them!

marta said...

mom, you're exactly right. it was a boost of beautiful, i love the way justin just wants to capture the essence of people. i couldn't have picked a better candidate for the shoot, so awesome to do be photographed together. let's do it again in twenty years. xo.

Diane said...

You are both so blessed - beautiful inside and out.

Ms. Fish said...

Hi Marty....Justin sent me to your blog. Just wanted to say that your synopsis of a shoot with Justin Hackworth is my favorite one so far... Justin gives us all a stunning and authentic glimpse of what is in front of the lens. you did the same for what goes on behind the lens.

What great luck you had. And what great photos.

Jake said...

You guys look great! What a perfect way to celebrate mother's day.

whit said...

photos are gorgeous!! happy you guys had a great time!! look beautiful

polly said...

i love the pictures! what a fun thing to be able to do.

QueenScarlett said...

Loved the pictures. So excited to pull up the 30 strangers post and FIND YOU! GORGEOUS! Talent and loveliness run in your family.

Janie said...

Lovely, both your photos and your writing. I will use your shooting tips. You were lucky to be photographed by Justin and he was lucky to be written up by you.

Val and Eric said...

Beautiful photos! How often do we have our photo taken only to capture "I'm smiling for the camera because they told me to smile" smiles? Too often. Love the genuine joy.

Sheri said...

Wonderful photo of you and your daughter! I love it.

the wrath of khandrea said...

and this will come as no surprise, but as i so wisely and intuitively predicted, you look fantastic!