Greta sat for me so I could experiment with some low-key lighting for a personal project I’m working on. It was going to be all black and white with minimal post processing. Now I find myself playing with color and layering of old, dusty, scratchy images. That seems to be how my creative process works. Starting off with an idea and playing around until what wants to be expressed reveals itself. Is that what it’s like for you?
Clients often ask me what I enjoy doing more, Massage Therapy or Photography. The answer? They both energize me in different ways and have more in common than you’d think. In both spaces I’m working with people and quite often, their insecurities. There’s a lot of ‘space holding’ involved. Ensuring that no matter what type of work we’re doing the person feels safe, respected and witnessed. In both professions I get to meet fun, interesting people and always have the goal of having them leave me feeling better [about them selves] then before we met.
Last week I got to do a head shot for a gentleman who is training for an Iron Man competition [wow]!
Yesterday I had just enough time between massage clients to play with some photography techniques for a photo group I recently joined. Our prompt for this week was that the image had to be “artistic and red”. I played around with studio lighting, no lighting at all, long exposure, having a fan blow on the flower petals, etc … and choose this as the image to share with the group.
Then I had a massage client who had a major shift in her body during our session. No matter what’s going on in the studio it’s always about creativity, growth and supporting people in living their best life and I’m so grateful for each connection, no matter how it’s made.
Beautiful pup got all tuckered out after his professional photo shoot. Bo’s mom and dad use him as a therapy dog in their business and wanted him to have some new, fun head shots for the new website their building. Pictured here is Bo taking a five. ;)
A local photography group I’ve just joined has decided to challenge ourselves with a 52 week photo project. Rather than coming up with our own list we are following along with one that has already been published online – the Dogwood 52 Photography Challenge.
It’s a lot of fun to see how other people choose to express themselves and it’s motivating to be accountable to a group of people. I’ve been batting around an idea for a while now, but always put it last on my list of things to do. This week 1 challenge at least ‘forced’ me to start playing with the idea and to take one step towards executing what I really want. Yay!
Week One:
A head shot is a simple thing. A shot of you – usually from the shoulders up.
It’s a complicated thing when you understand that your face – the way you connect with the viewer – is your personal branding. It’s a terrifying thing for most people. It’s the rare experience when someone walks into my studio and says “I LOVE being the center of attention and am in my glory in front of the camera.” What usually happens is folks come in and are fairly animated during the casual chit-chat time – and then as soon as the camera comes out – deer in head lights. This is so normal. I’d do it too. In fact, maybe – as a photographer – I’d do it even more than you. I like my position behind the camera.
It is my job to help you relax so the real, beautiful, fierce you can shine through. If you’ve been thinking it’s time to re-brand your website or social media picture I can walk you through the process. It’s a privilege and honor to do what I do.
TESTIMONY FROM A PAST CLIENT:
“You can find more than one portrait photographer in the field with a good eye for light and composition, but I discovered that Tania Palermo’s gifts and talents far exceed mere technical skills. She was able to explore with me what it was I wanted the photography to accomplish, and managed to bring to light what it is that fuels my passion for what I do. She captured the essence of what I want to convey to my clients in such a way that the photographs BECAME MY BRANDING. My website grew easily and naturally from the photographs themselves. I have received incredibly positive and superlative feedback from my friends and colleagues and clients about Tania’s portraits of me. If you want to boost your productivity or just to capture in photographs the essence of who you are and what is important in your life, I highly recommend that you treat yourself to a visit to Tania’s studio!” ~Karen Chadbourne
Glowing mommy to be came to visit the studio. :)
I’m totally behind on posting photos from portrait sessions. Thought I’d take a minute to post this one since it’s on top of mind – I’ve just finished working with it. I loved so much about this session. Karen is kind, confident in who she is [she’s claimed her ”awesome”] and deeply spiritual. We discovered, during pre-session chatting, that I’d taken a class from her many years ago and that we had several contacts in common. It felt like she was a serendipitous gift sent to me to remind me that we are all deeply connected on some level – and that when we do what we love the right people will be attracted to us – flowing in and out of our lives by divine appointment.
I’m struggling to find the right words for this post. And maybe for just now the image is enough. Carey came to me a few months ago and asked if I would help her document her experience with breast cancer. What an honor! It’s been such a gift to be trusted to share this space with her and humbling to know that some of the images we’ve made have been a cathartic part of her healing process. She’s gone through chemo, had a double mastectomy and is now preparing for radiation. We’ve documented her bald head, scars, drainage tubes, the love between she and her husband … and today some of the reconstructive surgery. I know this image is intense. Cancer is intense. Finding the strength and perspective to fight with as much grace and humour as Carey has must come from a deep place inside of her and I think what we see here is the warrior. Thank you, my friend, for letting me play a small part in your journey. ♥
[ Carey has given me permission to share this image. As she walks further down her path we may share more with the intent of giving other people in her shoes hope, shared strength and encouragement ]
Last week in the studio we did a test run for holiday mini sessions. I know – it’s ridiculously early. If it weren’t for a local mom who urged me to get ready – Christmas would not be on my mind yet. I’m glad she did because your photos need to be taken with enough lead time to allow for editing and then ordering prints for you. Call today to book your appointment. :)
One thing I love about doing “Day In The Life” portrait sessions …. catching real life moments like these. Jacob was considering climbing the stairs for the first time while I was there photographing the family. The next shot was of his bum …. from behind … as he traversed the lower three steps. Priceless moment.
Tania Palermo [Studio on Main] 