Day 275: Gratitude

I posted a lot about this photo shoot on my family blog, but I think it's worth re-posting some of that here:

I feel like everyone needs a mentor. With photography, mine has most definitely been Brooke Snow.  She has been so generous to me, helping me, providing me with an amazing assistantship, and validating my work.  I cannot say enough about how great she is, both personally and professionally.  

One of the beautiful things she has shared with me is an idea by superstar photographer Jesh de Rox.  Here is the postthat Brooke did about it almost a year ago.  I was completely moved, inspired, and excited about the idea.

In short form, a "Beloved" shoot is done with a couple in an effort to capture the authentic, real expressions that stem from their special relationship.  Jesh de Rox feels that all people are photogenic, but especially so when they allow themselves to ignore the camera and focus on the moment.  I was a believer after having read about it, but after seeing it done (by Brooke during a session where I assisted this past weekend) I was sold on trying it myself.

Thank goodness I had some awesome family in town that were willing to be guinea pigs!

Basically you offer invitations and play little games that get them thinking about each other instead of posing them.  You start out with light hearted games and questions and when you feel the couple is ready, you can move into some more serious topics, for example, expressing gratitude only through touch. The beauty of it is that you are just there to capture what follows...and it is just awesome.

Photography:  f/5, 1/640sec, ISO400