I had a very illuminating experience the other day. I got a call from an expectant mother wanting to shoot maternity photos. I was both delighted and surprised by the request. Surprised because I got a last minute call to shoot her wedding just over a year previous. The wedding was challenging. It was outdoors. Her family and friends were under a giant shade tree while the bride and groom exchanged vows in the direct “high noon” sunlight. Couple that with the fact that the ceremony was in Spanish of which I don’t speak a word.
Despite the challenges, I was very pleased with my work. Delighted, actually. I was so excited that I decided to invite the Newlweds over to have a viewing party instead of sending over a file via dropbox with a follow up cd in the mail.
When they arrived, pleasantries were exchanged as expected. I led them to my studio, sat them comfortably and clicked the slide show I’d assembled. To my surprise, every three seconds transitioned into a new image, but instead of glee, a cloud of darkness began forming above our heads. I was so uncomfortable that I casually suggested that we just skip ahead to the receiption and cake cutting porting of the screening. I got no argument. Yikes.
The mood was consistent with dread. The silence was stifling and I could not have been more relieved to say my goodbyes. Honestly, I wanted to know what was going on with her, but could not find the strength to fish for compliments or criticism. I walked this couple to the door anticipating them asking for a refund.
Despite this, we were all hugging and wishing each other the best at the door. That’s when I noticed what I thought looked like tears. So, I ventured… “Are you happy?” She said, “Yes!” with that, the tears really began to flow along with this explanation. “Your pictures are beautiful. I just have a hard time looking at myself, because I have body issues.”
Moments later we were back in front of the computer for a second look at my wedding photography. I had to understand what she was struggling with. “See the roll under my arm, my double chin?” Her husband chimes in with encouragement as do I…genuinely. She thanks us both, but holds on to the years of self criticism.
We return to the door and we now all have an understanding. She accepts another hug from me and smiling through her tears says, “I will call you for maternity photos,” and she did.
We set out to take some photos. We wanted to pick a very simple location to see what we could find. No dramatic light, no props. We had a great time. After about an hour we went home.
