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Photography: Women Are…

“You may live in the world as it is, but you can still work to create the world as it should be.” —Michelle Obama

For the month of February, my model was my dear friend Angy. We met in the fifth grade and became instant best friends. I’m grateful for her endearing trust in me, her incredible ability to always push forward, and her steadfast faith. She’s been the friend who always believes in big visions, reaches out when things are impossible, and never gives up on herself or others (me included).

Despite having a dreamy location, Red Rock Canyon outside Las Vegas, I struggled with light. We arrived just a bit too late and worked hard until I couldn’t see to take another shot. I brought my new flash, but I didn’t know how to use it. You’ll see an accidental shot at the end, and the effect is cool, but I couldn’t recreate it if I wanted to. Not yet! I’m looking now for an online class to take on tricky lighting. I’d love to abandon grainy shots for good.

Preparing for this shoot, I took a posing class, and Angy was a fantastic model. She trusted me to guide her through poses, even if they felt a bit awkward at times. I’m learning a lot about angles and creating triangles in my poses. It felt good to lead her and pretend confidence, even when I wasn’t sure we were getting usable images. What do you think? Do you have a favorite?

#1

#2

#3

What makes you proud?
The depth of my relationships, and the quiet privilege of sitting in the audience and witnessing my daughters step into who they are becoming.

#4
#5

#6

What makes you feel brave?
That flutter of butterflies in my stomach is my compass. When something feels both thrilling and terrifying at once, I know I am standing at the edge of something meant for me.

#7

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#9

What gives you hope?
Every morning the sun rises quietly, without announcement or applause, offering the world another chance to begin again. And I hold a steady faith that, beneath it all, people are inherently good.

#10

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  • The photos above were taken with my Olympus E-M1 MarkII, using a 14-150mm lens and edited with Lightroom Classic.

18 thoughts on “Photography: Women Are…”

  1. Favorites: 2, 3, 4, 7, and 9. She photographs very well! And the questions in between with the answers were a nice touch.

    It’s such a beautiful thing to have lasting friendships.

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    • Thank you so much, Michael. That means a lot to me. I’m a super harsh critic of my work, and I wanted them to be so much better. My skill is growing, but it’s OH SO SLOW. I’ve just set the date/time to do the next one, and it will be in a Catholic church featuring a dear friend of mine who is a beautiful singer and choir director. Stained glass windows will be in play, and man, I want them to be stunning. Wish me luck!

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    • Thank you so much, Debbi! It was my first big location and while I struggled with the light, I do think I’m growing in my confidence to get good poses. Hopefully my tech skills can catch up to my vision.

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      • You’re doing great!

        I’m also on a learning curve. When it comes to making movies. It’s quite a bit different for me.

        When you love it, no matter what, you should keep at it and do it for that great feeling it gives you. Yes!

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    • Those are my favorite too, Samuel. I wish I’d done a few more of those, but we were chasing the dying the light and moved through these quickly. I will certainly play with silhouette more in my upcoming shoots.

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