On Being Authentic
USNA BOxer portraits
Your photos should represent you exactly as you are as you complete your journey at USNA. Cami’s session reminded me of that because we began in her Navy choker whites doing some standard feminine posing, but I can always feel when something isn’t landing for someone in front of my camera. I can tell when I am having someone do something that isn’t “them”. And I don’t want that. In this session, I didn’t feel like I got to REALLY meet Cami until she was in her MARPATS. She wore them like she was born in them. I know this woman was made to be a Marine after spending one hour with her! Once she swapped uniforms, everything about the rest of the session felt more authentic and easy. I felt I was able to honor WHO she is. Then by the time we put her gloves on, I knew I was getting to see who she really was; easygoing and kind, intelligent, quick to smile and laugh… but a tiny undertone of “try me”.
Having someone let thier gaurd down, show me who they are, and trust me with their image is a privilege. And these are experiences I live for as a photographer. I’m very grateful. Thanks for letting play and do something different, Cami! You’re the best.
