Over the past few months I’ve had the pleasure of shooting some subjects as part of a presentation for displaying the outstanding work of Dimensions Salon in Spokane. While there have been some more experienced models in the bunch, the majority of the models have come at me with the phrase, “I don’t photograph well,” or I haven’t had pictures taken of me in years,” or something depressingly similar.

My answer of course is a joking, “You haven’t had your picture taken by me yet, have you?” Eliciting a response of, “Good luck, you have your work cut out for you.”

A challenge you say. I’m up for that…

Of course I understand that most of these women don’t have a desire to look like a super model, they just want a photograph that looks like their best self and if they look a few years younger too, then that’s a problem we’ll all just have to live with. So that’s my goal.

As I am shooting, I flip my camera around frequently and show them their photos on my camera’s screen. Inevitably their outlook about the session changes as they notice that I am able to take a photo of them that looks better than a grainy cell phone or red eye inducing point and shoot camera (not even including the “magic” of post processing). Who knew that proper lighting, strong composition, and good make-up could make such a difference?

I did. And they do now—judging by the reactions I’ve gotten.

You know, sometimes the reluctant models even end up having fun.

Take a look at some examples…