Dreaded words for any photographer to hear: I need a headshot of you.
My heart starts to beat faster. My palms get sweaty. I want to answer, Don’t you know, I’m the photographer? I’m supposed to be behind the camera?
Alas, I can’t avoid it. When you are in business teaching photography you have to show your face once in a while, and a headshot is necessary. And it was time for me to get some PR photos done that weren’t my own selfies.
So in 2011, after seeing the great portraits taken by local photographer and friend Jones Oliver at the Help Portrait event, I asked him if he would do some portraits for me. He said, “Sure!” We even met to chat about it once or twice to discuss concepts. And then I put it off, and put it off. And conveniently forgot about it. Until last week I got a request for a headshot and I knew it was time. I could no longer put it off. I emailed Jones in a panic, asking how quickly we could do this, and he was fantastically willing to do it on short notice over the weekend.
So here I am, saying hi to all of you, thanks to Jones:
I think the key to being in front of the lens is finding a photographer you are comfortable with. I know Jones, he’s a personable and funny guy, and just knowing that helped me work through the awkwardness of being in front of the camera. He was doing his best to make me look… well, like me. Because that’s what I really wanted. I didn’t get professionally styled or made up (make up? what’s that?), because that’s not how I really look.
After we got the requisite headshots, we did some playing. I wanted a “hold the photograph out and have me blurry in the background” shot. Jones pretty much required a scooter to be in this photograph, as that’s “iconic Kat” in his mind.
Then it was out into my latest habitat… among the trees. It was a cloudy, overcast morning but it started to clear up as we got to the park. Not the most ideal situation for portraits but we worked with it. Here are a couple of my favs…
And, for the grand finale, Jones had this idea of blending a photograph of me taking a picture of trees into one of my pictures of trees. After discussing it, we ended up with this piece. His photograph, and my edit of the tree, blended together. I love it! It’s me and my art, together in one image.
This whole thing taught me that if you have the right photographer, the experience of being in front of the camera can actually be fun. Sure, I still notice my flaws in the photographs, but in these they don’t seem to matter quite as much as normal. I mostly see me.
All photographs in this post are by Jones Oliver. Be sure to check out his blog, Camera 47.
Hello you! These are fabulous. You look so happy and relaxed..and like you! Love that you got one of your iconic scooters in – and that last shot is awesome with the photo/art/artist blend.
Thanks Becs! Since you’ve met me in person, you would know!
Nice series — some real treasures there.
Thank you for these. It is great to put a face with the instructor, especially before Find Your Eye starts next week. I am so excited to it to start!!
Yay! Me too!!
Great photos! Love your portrait! You look happy and relaxed.
Hey Kat! So great to see you! I can see your personality and enthusiasm shining through!
I just love those last three shots: you striding out with your pink umbrella and scarf, then with the pink phone “in action”.
The one of you in a scene you created was really fun. What a clever idea!
I like your smiling photo too against a backdrop of your work.
A very successful series!
These photos are beautiful! And it is nice to finally put a face with the name.
Ohh Kat… That first photo of you in front of your photos is beautiful, your happiness just radiates out for all to see. Jones Oliver has completely captured the essence of you! Love that you have one of your iconic Italian scooters included and those two ‘pretty in pink’ shots are really lovely.
Wishing you every continued success throughout 2013.
Wonderful to see you! You look very comfortable in front of the camera!
What flaws? You’re lovely! I, too, love the creativity of the last, and the umbrella is really fun. I’ve decided that in 2013 I’m going to allow my photo to be taken more – I don’t want my Grandchildren to think I was never there!
And hello to you! These are fabulous, you look fabulous. My palms got sweaty at the thought of someone needing my head shot too…eeeek!
How nice to see YOU! And that picture of your tree and you taking a pic of the tree… awesome!
Hi Kat, what good to see lovely you in real!! I like all the photos, they are such great combination of you and the wonderful things you teach us.
…….and oooohhh, that pink!
You look like you’ve done this many times! Great shots. It’s nice to put a face to the name!
Looking good. Love how you explored different concepts with this and that final image is fantastic. I need to get some selfies sorted out but it is hard to get infront of that camera lens.
It is hard! That’s why I put it off for so long. But it’s worth it, in the end.
Oh such fun.. Love your haircut, and great head shots, and the pink umbrella shot too. Looks like you have a great collection!
You’re a natural, or at least it seems so from here. You and Jones came up with a nice variety of shots….thought I had a fave until I looked at the next and the next. I like them all for different reasons. LIke going to the ice cream shop-so many good choices to make.
Bravo and being brave.
Ha! I’m not a natural. Jones only made me look that way! I’m glad you like them!!