Portrait of a Woman & an Artist

When the client’s requirements are to hit more with one shot - I’m always up for it! Especially if is working with artists.

Talents are one of my favourite people to photograph. They have this different point of view about the world that you can easily catch if you observe them for some time. Not all artists dedicate themselves to make a living from their craft, yet each of them incorporates their art in everything they do.

This is also the case with Dominique. An incredible woman I saw on the beach playing on her violin one winter morning while the sun was rising over the sea. I count believe my eyes. Sunrise, music, woman… what more I can wish for? It was a pure inspiration for my eyes and one of the loveliest sunrise experiences I’ve had.

Normally I’d pass by as I like having my mornings for myself, but I couldn’t resist to go find out more about her. So after I took some photos and videos, I went closer and introduce myself. Told her how inspiring I found her practice and gave my contact, hoping we can connect.

And so we did. She invited me to open mic sessions, I went to some of her events, she came to some of ours in Art Project Poblenou. And on top of that she became my client.

This is her portrait session where we focused on professional portraits for her day job and artistic portraits for her music performance. What an honour it is for me to be able to serve her and fulfil her photography requests.

Beautiful soul! Thank you Dominique for the trust in photographing you!

More about her work you can find on IG https://www.instagram.com/la_lionne_75/

Level Up or stay the same?

Last weekend I attended a 3-day business conference by the well known Spanish formation Level Up here in Barcelona. The topic was Reinicia tu Negocio and was full of content, talks, practical and educational tasks.

As a professional who is establishing their business and work in a new country and new language for a second time, going to a conference like this in the local language and participating, making contacts and enjoying the whole experience was super nurturing and beneficial for me. I liked the organisation, what they gifted to all of us, how they structured the blocks of talks, the inspiring guest speakers who were invited. As a whole I liked the experience and it surpassed my expectations.

In fact I went without much of expectations for this reason - to be able to take it all in as a student, as a newbie, as open and receptive as possible. Sometimes we block out own flow of benefits by having too much of or certain expectations. It’s much more beneficial if we see the world from the eyes of the beginner, like a child who is learning about everything around for a first time.

I’m happy I went and manage all the 3 full days of lectures and activities. It was an experience I was in fact looking for. I see why they’re on the level they are and I loved the passion and commitment they have towards their craft.

January was great, let’s see what February brings….

What do you need before a photoshoot of any kind?

Literally nothing but your excitement. Everything else is adjustable.

People often stress too much when they’re about to be photographed. The experience of somebody in your personal space hiding behind a machine that takes high resolutions photographs on witch you can see all the details you dislike about your body is definitely something that can bring quiet a it of stress in your everyday life.

But things are not that scary. The professionals know all of your thoughts and concerns about a photography session - they have been there themselves and they have a constant reminder of it by their clients.

The truth is that no-one is looking at your flaws because we all have them. A good professional is there to capture your essence, to give you the desired result despite the concerns they know you have. The idea is to enjoy the process, to celebrate yourself in this moment in time accompanied with your Self or your loved ones.

Native Americans used to believe that by taking a photographs of them you take a piece of their Soul too. I find this a little scary but also romantic. And perhaps its a correct description about the process. Part of you is captured, frozen in this moment in time. Not particularly in a bad way though. Photograph if you is a memory, a legacy, a reminder that you were here, you experienced life in your own unique way and you celebrated this moment in all of its glory.

So next time you have this inner desire of having beautiful photographs of yourself, quiet down the ego voice telling you you’re not perfect enough, and let your Soul make the appointment. Go and celebrate You - the person you are, the life you live and work you do in this world.

Life is too short to be afraid of things we passionately want to do.

Let your Light shine bright!