As a photographer, I spend my days capturing moments, weaving stories, and immortalizing memories for others. But what happens when the tables turn, and the one who’s always behind the lens steps in front of it? In this blog, I explore the transformative experience of going to the other side of the camera, embracing vulnerability, and discovering the art of self-expression through professional portraits. …And celebrate my colleague, Trish Gilmore, and the launch of Inner Goddess Photography. 

One of my main goals when creating portraits—whether it be high school seniors, families, or professional headshots—is to make my clients comfortable enough to openly reveal their true selves. If you’ve worked with me, you know I like to chat and create a warm, casual environment. I believe that when people are comfortable, I am able to capture their true essence. That being said, it can be difficult to feel completely comfortable and not self-conscious in front of the camera. I work hard to make my clients feel confident, but I know I can always do more.

So I did it. I moved to the other side of the camera to learn and grow! My beautiful and talented friend Trish Gilmore has just launched Inner Goddess Photography to empower and uplift women by creating a visual narrative that resonates with self-love and confidence. While I was worried that the lines between my eyes would look like they were etched too deep and my crooked smile would be off the mark, Trish welcomed me into her beautiful, Rhode Island studio and put me at ease right away.

This was an opportunity to challenge myself, break the routine, and gain a new perspective on the vulnerability that my clients may feel during a portrait session.

Trish is literally and figuratively a master. She holds her Master of Wedding Photography degree and is simply an amazingly talented artist. I learned from the experience on many levels. 

• Trish effortlessly guided me through poses making me feel natural and authentic.
  
• Experiencing a portrait session as a subject deepened my empathy for my own clients. It’s a reminder of the nervous excitement, the vulnerability, and the desire to look and feel our best.
• Authenticity is the center of great photography. Having Trish photograph me provided a chance to be raw, unfiltered, and unapologetically me—etched lines, crooked smile, and all. Authentic portraits capture the essence of who we are, serving as a powerful reminder to our clients that vulnerability is beautiful.
• And certainly not to be ignored, the magic of post-processing and retouching is something with which photographers are intimately familiar. However, being the subject allowed me to appreciate the art of retouching on a personal level. It’s a reminder that every adjustment, every enhancement, is a step towards showcasing the best version of ourselves—the lines are still there, but they are softer…

Stepping in front of the camera with the love and care of Trish Gilmore was a little journey of self-discovery and creative exploration. I was surprised by the portraits that I loved most. Trish captured me in a way that no other photographer has. I’m not a glam-girl and Trish made me feel authentic, real and also beautiful. 

Learn more about Inner Goddess Photography and Trish Gilmore.

Last Summer I read a book that reminded me of an idea that I’d already held dear. It put into words the concept of surrounding yourself with the best people and alway celebrating each other’s accomplishments without envy or competition. Shine Theory. I’m lucky to have this in my personal life with wonderfully supportive friends and family and it’s with such gratitude that I see it in my professional life too. I’m a Sole Proprietor so I work alone a good deal of the time and some may view other photographers as competitors…but I’ve learned first hand, that that is far from the truth. I wouldn’t still be in business if it weren’t for the other photographers who have supported, push, and cheered me on along the way. From the small business friends locally to the amazing people in my professional groups — supporting each other brings everyone up.

What is Shine Theory?

“Shine Theory is an investment, over the long term, in helping someone be their best self—and relying on their help in return.”

“Surrounding yourself with the best people doesn’t make you look worse by comparison. It makes you better.”

https://www.shinetheory.com/

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