Be Real.

Do you need to talk about hard things in your work sometimes?

You can't smile while delivering bad news. People won't trust you. Or like you.

Hard things can't have a "nice" image to go with them.

You need something more congruent. Honest. Real.

Rather than warmth and approachability, you may need:

Mischief. Stubbornness. Derision. Warning. Loss. Courage. Resolve.

Notice how I didn't use the word SERIOUS there?

"Serious" is a super unhelpful word.

And it's shitty direction.

Getting an actor to take your picture is a very good idea.

I know how to coach you to recruit your imagination to the moment.

I know what to say to connect your intention to your sense of self.

"But I'm not an actor", you say.

Yes, but you're in front of a camera so SOZ but that kind of makes you a performer. And authenticity and connection are the basis of acting soooo.

"What's my motivation?" is a joke often told on the actor, but it applies to us all.

What IS your motivation?

What EFFECT do you want to have on other people?

I can help you create a portfolio with truthful emotional range by giving you the kind of direction that actors get all the time.

And by the way: this direction extends to all the "lovely" pics.

Honesty extends to every aspect of your business.

True joy, compassion, humour and warmth in your images matter a lot.

Supporting you to embody the truth of who you are is why I do this job.

xAB