I was lucky enough to have a photo shoot with Jodie of Jodie Gallant Photography last week. She has done some amazing new headshots for me and I thought I would share some of the pictures with you and blog a little bit about the experience.
First off, Jodie is amazing! I am not a person who naturally feels comfortable in front of a camera but she definitely set me at ease. We did the photos in her studio, chatting about our boys (who are almost the same ages), some of the other fun projects she's been doing lately and listening to City and Colour, who I now have to download on iTunes. I am by no means a great subject to photograph - Jodie was patient with my dry contacts, tooth ache that I kept complaining about and the fact that I closed my eyes every-other time the flashes went off. Things I learned during this experience: I have horrible posture, the most awkward-feeling poses seem to translate the best onto film (or "digital" film, I should say), and I would never win Next Top Model. Ever. (And I'm perfectly ok with this).
As I've talked about in previous posts, anyone with a camera (or phone) can take a picture. If you have the right equipment and take the time to learn how to use it, just about anyone can take high-quality photos but it takes a certain person and a specific talent to be a good, professional photographer. Photography is a combination of technical talent and artistic vision & creativity, and Jodie has all of these. Jodie gave me specific directions (which I needed!) to get all the best angles, to try different poses and shots, to use the lighting to my best advantage and to make me feel comfortable in front of the camera. She was able to not only capture some of my personality on film but to also create dramatic, myserious and artistic portraits that convey a mood consistent with The Lost Magic books. It's a LOT to try to accomplish but Jodie did a fantastic job.
Here are a few of my favorites from our shoot:
I think I'm squinting a bit in this one from my dry contacts. But it worked out!
In this one, I am looking directly into a large, white light, waiting for it to flash into my face and hoping I won't see the red insides of my eyelids as the flash goes off, again. Hopefully, you can't tell that's what's going on in my head.
In this one I think I was following some directions like, "chin up, not that far, back a bit, ok good, now look down, back at the camera, ok, again but a little happier... no, not that happy, ok... got it!" Once again, thank you for your patience Jodie!
I don't think I was ready for her to take my picture here, I was smiling about something we had been talking about and she caught me! Hence, the funny expression.
I think I was channelling my inner-paranormal-romance-author here.
My favorite shot of the day. Love the lighting.
Thanks again Jodie! Go check out Jodie's website and Facebook page. You will LOVE her photos just as much as I do.
Suzi.
