A case for portraiture

Alexandra 2017

In a world where our lives are increasingly documented through the lens of our smartphones there is still an enduring and irreplaceable value in professional portrait work, especially during key transitional periods of life. A portrait session is a very personal experience and that’s why I do this. I want to get personal. I am interested in the journey of self discovery, self love and self expression. I love a breakthrough moment. This is why I started photographing people.

What moves me is watching a person create, reveal and define themselves. I have a knack for knowing what and how to share the story you’re telling just by being you.  When I have the honor of reflecting back how beautiful, intriguing, deep, astounding or joyous someone is I am fulfilling my own purpose in life. We are all artists creating and inventing ourselves. Our identities are our greatest works of art. We are in constant evolution. I like to think I’m taking visual notes for the universe.

True portraiture is a creative ritual meant to close or open chapters of a person’s life with honor and reflection.  A lasting portrait not only records a moment in time or a persons best features but like a painting it is considerate, meditative and defines a person in their time.  It is a collaboration between artists; the being and the observer. It’s such a beautiful metaphor for the self and the soul. There may be many images of you when you’re gone but there will only be a few defining images. Those are the images I am interested in creating.

To me portraits are stories. Our faces, our body language, the way we carry and dress ourselves, these are the stories that transcend our day to day lives. One needs a safe, encouraging, playful and sacred space to explore the art of cultivating ones presence in the world. Portrait work is that space. It’s a bit like finally grabbing the karaoke mic and going for it with your full heart.

Booking a portrait session is more than just scheduling a photo shoot; it’s an act of courage and self-love. It requires stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing your vulnerability. But in doing so, you open yourself up to a transformative experience that can have a lasting impact. It is not just about the final product; it’s about the transformative experience itself. Allowing someone to hold space for you and work intimately to bring your essential self forward is a thrilling and empowering process. With decades of experience and a genuine presence, I bring a high-quality craft to our sessions, ensuring that every image captures the essence of who you are. The elegant and thoughtful approach ensures that each portrait is a testament to your unique journey, creating memories that you will cherish for a lifetime.

So, if you’re considering a portrait session, let go of your worries and take the plunge. Celebrate your journey, honor your milestones, and allow yourself to be seen. You might just discover a side of yourself that you’ve never seen before. In the end, a portrait session is not just about capturing a moment in time—it’s about capturing the essence of who you are.

If what you are aching for right now is an experience that will help you break out of old patterns and programs, a chance to see yourself newly, portrait work offers that. The experience alone is worth it but at the end you’ll walk away with a new image of yourself, many new images actually. We offer wall art, framed photos, folio boxes and digital images which often hold so much more value over time than you’d expect. So often now a days we forget how powerful those professional portraits framed in our homes of our grandparents, parents, kids and loved ones really are. They hold entire life stories, represent the truly iconic people in our lives. It’s for you. But it’s not only for you. So what visual story do you want to offer those who love you most? And how much do you want to see yourself with love, awe and appreciation? Invest in that. You will reach for these photos more than you think.

Let’s make images that tell the story of where you are coming from and where you are going. What lights you up? What pain or joy do you want to share? Who are you behind your smile?  What moves you, wakes you up, thrills or intrigues you? Who are you ready to bring forward now? Who are you becoming? Who is your secret you? Let’s shine a light on you. I’ve got you. I know how to do this.

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Environmental Portraiture