It's Not About the Way You Look
I have spent a lot of time recently thinking about photography and body image, or rather, how to work with negative body image and self-esteem in the studio. What would it look like? How would it work? Would every session need to be in the studio? And, what if the client wanted to take a picture of me? How would I feel about that?
To me, it seems like an interesting project and one I would certainly like to explore. I don't have any problems taking photographs but often joke that there's a reason I'm behind the camera and not in front of it! I have certainly met many people that tell me that they hate having their photos taken, and more importantly how they feel they never look good in them. Part of this, I think is that they don't look like they think they should look. The reality of the photograph seems to shatter all sorts of deeply held illusions. By the same token, I am often asked if I can just Photoshop a bit here and there; usually to shed a couple of pounds. Well, actually I can't (no really!) But then again, why would I? Obviously I want to take photographs of you that you love and if you've made it to the studio, that is my one objective. However, when I meet you for the first time I may be taken by your smile, the way you stand, your nervousness or any manner of things. When we part company again what will stay with me is a part of you that you chose to show me and that part won't necessarily be how you look but more, who you are.
I like to think I take real photographs of real people. Sure, I may smooth out a wrinkle or two, add a bit of gloss to your hair or sparkle to your eye, but I hope that the photograph you have is a true reflection of you and who you present to the world.
If you are interested in exploring yourself and your body image in the studio, please contact me at rsillsphotography@gmail.com. I would love to hear from you.
