Take Me to Che’Arch

99.9% of my photographs are of women who have never modeled or even had professional photos taken before, but there is the rare occasion that I will work with a real model when I am working through new concepts, lighting, etc.  This shoot was one of those cases.  And in my usual inspired fashion, it was pulled together super duper last minute!  (hey when inspiration strikes you need to run with it)

I called up my friend Erin Ford, and a model I had worked with on a #LOVEWINS inspired shoot for In The Loupe last summer, dug out my grandmothers old negligee, and within 2 days we were all over at Che’Arch putting together this beauty of a shoot.

I am really enjoying more moody photographs lately, perhaps it goes along with how I am feeling? Deeply connected to the more empathetic side of myself. I am finding myself, lately, really feeling the feelings of others. Boudoir is a super vulnerable experience.  I don’t care how many times you have been in front of the camera, stripping down will always be an emotional and vulnerable experience.  That vulnerability is what I look for when I am photographing a woman, that moment where she allows that part of herself, that no one see’s shine through.  Believe it or not, that is what makes working with models sometimes even harder than working with women who have never been photographed before.

Not with Destinii though.  She was not like most models, she came in with the same little flutter of nerves I see in my usual clients (something I expect, because hello, getting sexy is hard work!) When we started shooting, it only took 1 direction to break her out of that normal “model face” that most models give, before she was fully connected to me and the moment. It only took one direction before she allowed herself to be vulnerable. She threw out all of her model training and submitted to the directions I gave and felt the emotions I was looking for.  This ability is what is going to make Destinii be a successful model, her willingness to connect, be fully present in the moment, and her fearlessness of being vulnerable.

…her willingness to connect, be fully present in the moment, and her fearlessness of being vulnerable.

“Vulnerability is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy, and creativity. It is the source of hope, empathy, accountability, and authenticity. If we want greater clarity in our purpose or deeper and more meaningful spiritual lives, vulnerability is the path.”

~ Brené Brown