 I find it difficult to summons enough enthusiasm to get around to updating my own portrait. My last published one is now three years old, gulp, slacker!
As a portrait photographer I am always trying to encourage others to trust me to capture a beautiful photograph of them. Now is the best time I say, don't wait to lose another couple of kilos, don't wait to buy that new outfit. NOW, now is the time, do it! It is important to exist in photograph, if not for yourself then for those who love you. Well, today finally became my now, no more excuses! I managed to gather the motivation as having just finished hand painting my first large canvas backdrop for the studio, and with no one around to test it out on, I became my own model. Nailing the focus while taking a self portrait I always struggle with. Does it matter that it is not a technically correct photograph? Do I wish I was a couple of kilos lighter? Yes. Is it a while since my last visit to the hairdresser? Yes. Do I wish I had a new, fashionable top to wear? Yes. Did I nearly ditch this image and decide to re-shoot another day? Yes. Does it matter that it was shot in the fading light at the end of the day, that the ISO was high so the image was grainy losing detail in the skin? NO! Do I think it will take me another three years to getting around to shooting another self portrait? Possibly yes, but I hope not . . . Exist in Photographs.
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 To create different "looks" I sometimes get hold of wigs to mix things up when working with one model. These are from a series I shot documenting a private collection of vintage clothing back in my student days. My two years of photography studies in Hobart coincided with my nieces last two years of highschool, so when I was in need of a model for a project, good old Gracie would find time in her ridiculously busy schedule to come and play dressups with me in the fantastic studio at the Tasmanian Polytechnic. Hours of fun! So many laughs were had during the making of these photographs. Oh and Grace, I still have the out takes in the archives . . . Pity I missed dragging them out for your 21st, oh well, it will give you something to look forward to at your 50th! To check out more of my fashion images click on the following link . . . . http://www.helenokey.com/fashion.html  One thing that I love to do during a portrait shoot is to take fresh flowers from the garden and use them during the session if the client is up for it.
Red just happens to be my favourite colour, so I often gravitate in that direction and contrasted against a black background can create drama. Simple petunias and a stunning profile equals dramatic portrait. For more portraits with or without flowers, check out the portrait page on my website here . . . http://www.helenokey.com/portraits.html |
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