My thoughts on the experience:

Even greater respect for professional models.

Spring in Paris? It was cold -in the 40’s – with wind. Wind chill? Don’t even want to go there.

Mindset- channel Kate Upton, cover of Sports Illustrated, photographed in Antarctica. Bonus, I have on more clothes than she did and it’s not quite that cold.

Everyone should get photographed in an epic outfit.

Many of you know that I am not a girly-girl. Not a lot of fluff, flowery flowy clothes, minimal makeup, rarely in heels…. But let me tell you how confident I felt as I stepped out of that car in this huge skirt, slipped on my heels (well 2”) and started parading around the place. It’s a confidence that is gained just by sitting in the makeup chair being taken care of and trusting that everyone there is going to make sure you look your best.

Ask for what you need

I fell into what I see all the time with my clients, I took a minute before I asked for what I needed because I “didn’t want to trouble” anyone. But I know, for me, I want my photo sessions to be a true collaboration so the photos will look great. So I asked for a minor adjustment to my hair, for a jacket as we were walking around, for further explanation when I didn’t know how to pose or move (see even as a photographer, I can’t position myself for my best angles).

Professional growth

This is for anyone in any profession. It was such a learning experience working with someone who does what I do, that I recommend everyone do the same.

I learned:

How I want my clients to feel when they are with me, by being a client myself. I wanted to be heard, to feel like I was being taken care of and that I didn’t have to worry about anything.

Collaboration is important. I decided I didn’t like the garden location we had been planning (once I saw it), so we found somewhere else to go.

How to better explain posing. Now that I have been a client and had to get into poses, I can maybe explain them better. And I understand from a client’s point of view how you might feel unnatural in a pose. As my mentor says, “feels awkward in person, looks sensational in the camera. “ You have to pose, to get a flattering un-posed looking photograph.

That it’s ok to slow down and get the posing and lighting right. I just wanted to look good and I appreciated that Ashleigh was taking the time to find the exact right angle for the backgrounds and checking that the clothing, hair and pose flattered me.

Personal Growth

I was so out of my element for most of this experience - having my hair & makeup done professionally (my 1^st), being photographed professionally just for me (the last time had to be about 30 years ago), not on my home turf, travelling just for me (even though my family joined me, this was planned around my needs).  Some of you – my daughters included – have done things on their own for themselves much more than I have. I’m finally getting the confidence in myself and starting to “sow my wild oats”!