Mind the tumbleweed
A dear friend of mine interviewed me today for an article she is writing for a national newspaper. This was not a chore, especially as I was talking about photography, my favourite subject to wax lyrical about these days. What will be a chore, however, is the portrait I will have to sit for to illustrate the feature. I hate having my picture taken; the few self portraits I have shared on this blog were a definite step towards finding some self-acceptance, some peace when faced with my own face. I’ve figured out which angles and poses are the most forgiving, but if at all possible I avoid the camera – this skittishness lends me a lot of empathy when I’m working with my adult clients. Every time we begin I tell them to trust me, that I will capture them at their best, and that it’s going to be an enjoyable experience. The kids are always excited; the parents are less so, but with a little cajoling and some time spent building a rapport, the shoot invariably is a success. It’s going to be interesting being on the other side of the camera, with no control over the final result – to have a moment in a client’s shoes.
This January has proved to be the most surprising month I’ve had in a long while. Things have been happening that I’d love to be able to share here, but these things are in such an embryonic state right now, I don’t want to jinx it. Suffice it to say I’ve had reason to smile recently, and despite the fears that crop up from time to time, I’m learning to enjoy the unknown, the beginnings and the slow dance that happens when you let yourself open up again.
it sounds like things are lovely … that makes me smile …
good luck with the photo ~ i’m sure it will be beautiful :) xox
i’ve missed you love. can’t wait to hear all that is blooming for you. sounds truly yummy.
and you are so gorgeous and sexy, your portrait can’t help but reveal that, but i understand what you mean, it’s hard to be in front of the camera when you are much more comfortable behind it.
xoxo
how lovely. i love that you’ve had lots to smile about this month.
i’m happy to read your words here, it makes me smile for you as my mind wiggles around what is happening in your life right now…
looking at a photo of myself this evening, i can empathize with you in feeling uncomfortable with self-portraits, despite the fact that i’m constantly taking photos of myself.
it’s always the people i find lovliest that are quick to shy from the camera. xo
oh, hooray! to a surprising month & to letting yourself open up again. such goodness. i can feel it.
big love,
gem
how wonderful that you’ll be interviewed! what paper is it? we get most of them here :)
i completely understand where you’re coming from about the portrait… i would take a million self portraits before ‘enjoying’ being shot by someone else… i think ;) but you will be stunning, i know it… i really hope whoever it is captures that twinkle in your eye!
i’m so exciting to hear that you are slowly opening yourself up again. reason to smile: now that’s what you need to be thinking about during your portrait session :D
muak
Vx
That’s wonderful news, Susannah! You’ll have to let us know the name of the publication and when it’ll be out so we can look it up online. Or maybe you can have a link to it?
I bet your portrait will be beautiful. It is beautiful YOU the photographer will be photographing afterall! :) Have fun with it! I’m so glad that good things have been going your way!
Do you see, Brave Woman, how you have grown over the past years? Sweetly and sensually and self-reverently. Let your life simmer, close to your own heart. Share nothing until it is rooted. Share nothing until the liquid dream of new experiences has filled your cells to bursting. Be faithful to the Goddess within.
Your work continues to develop in astounding ways. I recognise a style that I truly admire.
Wishing you all the best in everything in 2008.
Well, good thing your beautiful face will make it an easy job for that photog. ;)
LOVED talking. Happy you checked in here. ;)
oxoxoxox :)
Yipee! You shit hot photographer you. Please do tell when it comes out.
You are so gorgeous it has always surprised me when you say this.
I am smiling all the way over here in Ny:)
smooches
Your muse is shining with you
and all these stars are trailing behind you
enraptured:)
You go girl:)
(hugs)
yum-dilly-icious photo.
xoxo
you will be gorgeous because you always are…the last sentence of this post rocks!…what a powerful image and metaphor…love it!