Portrait: Miss Kelly

One of my favorite portraits hanging at JDP Studios is of Kelly.  She is great in front of the camera.  So much so she and I will be working on a new project soon.

The photo below was taken with a 35mm lens with a shallow depth of field (f2.2) and I was probably not more than two feet away from her.  Most people would close up with me being that close but Kelly really allowed me in to her personal space.  It is because of that I was able to capture such a lovely reaction of her smiling here.

Thanks Kels!

Revealing Me: "Intimate Reflections"

PORTRAITURE

For most of my life my private persona and my public persona did not match.  Growing up as a shy kid I never dreamed of sharing exactly who I am with the world outside of the comfort of my family and close friends.  As an adult I learned to push through these boundaries and take the leap to BE me in all spheres.

The caterpillar steps have been worth it.  In the past couple of years my writing voice has gotten much stronger and bolder.  The recent inclusion of photography as a communication skill has forced me to address new topics and discover new things about life and myself.

Intimacy.  It is a powerful word.  In 2012 I will be intentional about exploring this topic visually.  Of course it starts first with me.

Taking pictures of myself is not something I normally do.  However it is forcing me to look at me and see my self image.  I listen to the negative thoughts that run through my mind.  Some are mine.  Some belong to others.  And yet I continue to journal with my camera as I maneuver through this journey of healing and wholeness.

I guess I will call this:  "Revealing Me"