Blog Entry - BrandHabit

My Photo Shoot

I did a Photo Shoot this week with a professional photographer. I’ve only done about 5 of these in my life. Once when I was 5, when I was 16 and getting into acting, when I was 20, when I was married, and when I was pregnant. This time, it was for business.

When I arrived at Kathleen Harrison’s studio I had done my hair and make-up and I was armed with a bunch of outfits (all black and white-classic). I had geared myself up to boldly say: “I want you to make me look like a super-model who is being shot for a lifestyle magazine” Hell, if I am going to be shy about what I want, I won’t get it. Right?

Kathleen shows me a few black and white photos of professionals.

“No. No, no, no. I don’t want the corporate headshot stuff. It’s not me. I want these shots to be fun and flirty and casual and not too posed. This is fashion. I tried to fit into the corporate image and it just doesn’t work. I have to be me”

Kathleen is probably thinking to herself, “Oh boy. I have a live one on my hands.”

Realize that I make all of these demands with a big smile on my face while I am running around, digging though bags of clothes and accessories. I am a FUN, demanding bitch.

We start the shoot on a white backdrop. I pretend I am a model moving to new poses between clicks. Kathleen encourages me for a while but I soon run out of moves to make. We take a quick look at a few shots on her camera and I my heart sinks.

Where are my eyelids? My hair looks frizzy. Ugh, my mouth looks so tight when I try not to smile. Gosh. I am really not the person I think I am when I look in the mirror. Oh well.
I look pretty good, FOR MY AGE.
What a friggen show stopper that is, isn’t it?
FOR MY AGE.
What the hell happened to my eyelids? They are hidden beneath the upper brow.
God, this is a reality check.

So, we take a million more shots. I am having fun with some of them… it’s getting better.
Clearly, I have no training in this because when Kathleen tells me to kick my leg up, I turn my ankle in a way that makes me look like I have a fat calf and no foot.

We go outside where I can ham it up in natural light. I am embarrassed by the cars, bikes and people going by thinking, “Who does she think SHE is? A Super Model? NOT!” God forbid , I run into someone I know.

A young man (boy of 20 something) walks by and then turns around to ask what we are up to. It’s perfect timing because we are having a hard time getting the reflector to stay still. He offers to help. Oh god, now I have an audience.

Funny thing is, NOW I am really having fun. There is something about a young man standing there appreciating you that makes you feel… fun and flirty and sexy.
These are the best shots of the day. I look at a few and recognize me for who I think I look like. Phew! Kathleen is brilliant. Here is her site
http://www.kathleenharrison.com

And here are a few shots.

POSTED BY carla ON 07/12/08 08:07 AM

comments [1]

User Comments:

Carla, Carla, Carla.... I read this post thinking to myself that if I ever saw these photos I'd be agreeing with you. You painted a very good (albeit wildly inaccurate) image of a woman who isn't as hot as she once thought she was.

Imagine my shock when I scrolled far enough to see you - gorgeous you! hello, fabulous!

Where do I begin? Love that dress Simple. Classic. And lets talk about that cranberry patent handbag... who makes that bag? It's gorgeous!

You, my dear, look amazing. I know we are all our own worst critics, but I hope you feel terrific about the results. You are a stunning woman!

ciao, bella!

franki durbin
http://lifeinaventicup.com

POSTED BY frankidurbin ON 07/14/08 17:07 PM