The first from Claire's Corner

I have never had a professional portrait taken of me in my life.  I do, however, take a lot of selfies because I have a network marketing business and use them for my social media campaigns and promotions. I know what angles suit me best. I’m getting pretty good at lighting. I know what makeup is most flattering. I’m great with a filter. I am in full control of that image.

In my new role as Creative Media/ Artist Management with DeadFlyMedia I am wrangling (or as he calls it ‘adulting’) our photographer Andy and working on marketing and social media strategies. Obviously, we wanted a shot of the Team, this trio of oddballs who are a force to be reckoned with, so that people can see who we are and with whom they would be working. As mentioned, I have never had a professional portrait taken before, and as the photo session drew near I started feeling anxious and self-conscious at the prospect. Those extra 30 lbs...the crow's feet around my eyes...the double chins...I was worried that handing over the reins to someone would mean that they would capture all that was “wrong” with me; the things that I am adept at correcting, avoiding or covering up.

On a Saturday afternoon Andy, our CEO Karen and I gathered in the studio for some portraits; together and solo. The shots of the three of us together are filled with character, mirth, goofiness, swagger and confidence as we played off each other. I have to admit it was a lot of fun. 

          The photographer and his two adults!

But as my turn for solo shots came round, the nervousness crept back in and I was feeling awkward and vulnerable. Many of the first shots looked like this with me hiding behind a sign or looking terrified. Every click of the camera shutter made me flinch.

It is a great shot of my eyes! The bold me is in there!

Then Andy and Karen just started chatting with me, having a conversation. They didn’t tell me to smile or look happy or relax (there was some gentle guidance to turn left or right, a tucking of my hair behind my ear, that sort of thing) instead they created an atmosphere where I felt comfortable and at ease and safe. We built rapport. I was aware of the camera, aware of Andy behind it but I was enjoying myself so much that I stopped thinking about all that stupid stuff that makes us hate our photos and makes us shy away from being in any. The things I was hiding behind, both literal and figurative began to drop. I have shared some of the pictures already on social media and the comments from family and my social media friend base have all been that these photos are so “me”.

The results speak for themselves and I have learned something rather profound through this amazing process. Everyone is photogenic. Everyone. Sure makeup can help, good bone structure, a good angle, good lighting. But what really makes you photogenic is how natural you are in front of the camera, how comfortable you feel in your own skin, and how liberating it is to let your true inner radiance shine.

I would love for you to have the experience that I had. How many of us have avoided having our photos taken, sometimes for years, because we don’t feel good about ourselves? I now have photos that I want to share with people who know and love me. Possibly better still, I have photos that strangers can look at and see my zest for life and my energy without me having to tell them. I have photos that I can share that proudly convey to the world who I am. Crow's feet and chins and all!

Having the DeadFlyMedia team capture my authentic self in photos has been empowering. How amazing would it be to have those kinds of photos for yourself? Where you look and feel great whether you are belly laughing or serene or sassy or whatever resonates with you, and to carry that power with you? There’s one way to find out isn’t there?!

Next on the agenda....a no makeup shot.....(eeek)

Until next time,

Claire

Contact us at DeadFly.Media