Our conversation began on Instagram, and in this age of social media, I took some time to research the person reaching out to me. The internet is rife with fake profiles and deceptive personas, so it’s essential to exercise caution.
To my surprise, I discovered that LeDione was not just any individual; he was a talented photographer, particularly known for his exceptional wedding photography. I took it as a compliment that, out of all the local photographers he had evaluated, he appreciated my unique approach.
In the realm of professionals trading services, several challenges can arise:
- Intimidation: Dealing with a fellow professional can be intimidating, as they understand the intricacies of the field.
- Competition: This person is not just a casual observer but could potentially review my work, both positively or negatively, which could impact my reputation.
- Privacy Concerns: There’s always the concern that someone might want to uncover my process or workflow, potentially compromising my trade secrets.
However, I want to emphasize that none of these concerns weighed on my mind. I firmly believe in self-awareness and authenticity. I know who I am, what I bring to the table, and another person’s opinion, while valuable, does not define my self-worth. Additionally, I have a natural inclination to share knowledge, as it serves a greater purpose beyond my lifetime.
During our conversation, LeDione shared that many of the photographers he had reached out to never followed up. The shoot almost didn’t happen because of scheduling conflicts, but I made an effort to accommodate it. We met at Caves Village, slightly behind schedule. After a brief introduction and some test shots, we were ready to go. Our goal was to capture the setting sun’s beauty, and it was also LeDione’s birthday shoot. His family, including his wife Claudette, son Lamar, and daughter Laila, joined the session, which required outfit changes.
My photography style tends to be unconventional. I like to highlight the subject, making them appear larger than life, and I achieve this by shooting from low angles and using wide apertures to add depth. My approach evolves as I find inspiration in the moment, revisiting poses and ideas. After completing the family session, I decided to create an energetic group shot that would truly showcase each individual’s personality.
To achieve this, I suggested they jump from a small platform. LeDione and his crew embraced the challenge, motivating one another during several attempts. After approximately six tries and various variations, we captured an epic shot brimming with emotion. This family truly rocked the session!
In the end, the experience was a testament to the power of collaboration and creativity in the world of photography.
