Buiness Focus: Klaire’s Esthetics

Hello Beautiful People!!

I recently had the pleasure of getting my second facial with the lovely and wonderful Klaire Powell of Klaire’s Esthetics, located inside Making Waves Hair & Color Studio, downtown Chillicothe. I had been seeing Klaire’s amazing work all over social media, remarked to my husband how impressed I was with the results she was getting, and so for Christmas, he gifted me a gift card with Klaire. People, I am loving the results!

@klaires_esthetics

I was thrilled to experience Klaire’s methodology of her facial. As someone that was in the healthcare field of massage therapy for 25 years, I am very impressed with the way Klaire takes a holistic approach to her facials, the way she blends that with the scientific skin care approach, and the care and precision she gives to her client’s individual skin care struggles and concerns. Her short term results speak volumes, seeing your skin glow is instant gratification, but the wild thing is, she is cultivating a following by producing long term results, focusing on client education and staying up on new ways to serve her clients with techniques and products. To say the least, I love Klaire’s work, I am loving my skin more after Klaire’s work and guidance, and I have only been twice thus far. Mind Blown!

I don’t talk to Klaire much when I have an appointment with her, I tend to be mute and just enjoy, so I asked Klaire if she would tell us more about her business, who inspires her, what she loves about her work and more. Please let me introduce you to the beautiful Klaire of Klaire’s Esthetics!

img_5334-1

@klaires_esthetics

@klaires_esthetics

Klaire was inspired to follow a career path in to beauty and skincare, when her mom, Lacey, followed her passion and went to cosmetology school a few years ago. Klaire started esthetician school in 2022, not long after completing high school, and graduated in January 2023. She jumped right in to entrepreneurship by starting her business, and has had her business for a little over a year. Klaire has been rewarded in her efforts of following her passion, as she loves being able to help people, to service and educate her clients on ways they can help themselves outside of her services, and she loves to watch her clients’ confidence grow in their skin!

In 2024, Klaire is looking to expand on her services, to continue to seek better products for her clients and to receive education on all ways to provide an even better experience for those she serves. She is always looking at new or better technology to enhance and expand her skillset and knowledge base, truly, her clients and their skin are her priority! Renewed, replenished, and rejuvenated skin is her jam, this girl is focused on her future and how she can make YOUR experience with her always better.

@klaires_esthetics

Klaire values, and deeply appreciates, that the Chillicothe and Ross County community has always supported her while she was growing up locally, and through her journey in becoming an esthetician to establishing herself as a local business owner. Klaire receives a lot of support through referrals, sharing her content, likes on her socials, and by people positively spreading the word about her business and offerings. If you would like to see more of what Klaire can do for you, please click any image of Klaire to be directed to her FB page. Make sure to book your appointment soon!

Cheers! A Celebration, Milestone, and Changes

Happy New Yearโ€™s Eve, everyone!

Today we celebrate Lori, celebrating her husband Chris! While they are hitting individual milestones, they are very much celebrating together, and for each other. I shared Loriโ€™s black and white versions on the socials, and we extended an invitation to view her color versions of those images here, for you. Lori also graciously answered some questions about her shoot, and I want to share those answers with you too! Letโ€™s begin!

TPL: Before your session, how did you feel? Were you excited, nervous, unsure, etc?

Lori: Anxious and excited.

TPL: How did you feel during the session? Do any emotions stand out most in regards to your experience?

Lori: After each outfit change I was so excited to get a sneak peek at the pictures.


TPL: Do you feel the consultation was helpful? Did you feel like you knew what to expect going in to your shoot?

Lori: the consultation was very helpful. I was able to explain what I wanted. And while talking, we discussed ideas I hadnโ€™t thought of, which I loved.

TPL:What did you love most about your shoot?

Lori: We laughed. It was effortless. I was very relaxed.

TPL: Do you feel that you were supported and guided during your shoot with poses and outfits?

Lori: Very supported. I was always asked if I was okay and comfortable. And we discussed each shoot thoroughly.

TPL: How did you feel when you saw your images on the back of the camera, throughout your shoot?

Lori: Almost speechless.

Iโ€™ve gone through a life change over the past year and hadnโ€™t really seen myself in pictures. Everything was coming together.(I LOVE this for her!!!!)

TPL: You have had a couple different types of experiences with E.robinsonphotos, what would you tell a friend about us, that is looking for a photographer?

Lori: Each experience has been amazing. From beginning to end. From a senior shoot to now a personal shoot, every detail was perfect. The lighting, the poses, the outfitsโ€ฆ it just all came together. And it starts with a photographer who listens to her clients and knows how to make it happen. I would recommend her to anyone for any type of shoot.

TPL: Did you have a great your experience, and was it fun?!

Lori: I canโ€™t wait to do another shoot! Not just for me but for my family. It was a lot of fun!

Me too Lori, me too!! I am here for those milestones, I am here to celebrate Loriโ€™s metamorphosis and Chrisโ€™ birthday. I am here to show people how amazing they are, to watch my work either change their lives or reflect their changes. I am here to see the absolute joy on your face when you see yourself or your loved ones, and I am here to have a ton of fun with you while we do it!! Thank you, not only to Lori and her family, but to all of you for giving me the opportunity to do these things with and for you!!

Happy New Year to you all, may 2024 be the best of everything you want and more!!

A Lady Warrior in Motion

I am always up for shooting something a bit different for senior shoots, something more unique. When I consulted with a client about some action shots for volleyball, I saw the images of what I wanted to capture in my head. This is how I typically start with conceptualizing the shoot. Yeah, if you read this blog, you will read that tidbit often, as it is so accurate, true, and evidence of my muse striking. What I did not initially expect, was gorgeous Miss Eva joining her bestie, Brinlee, for a tandem shoot. I was overjoyed by this turn of events, and I love the sequences of Evaโ€™s hitting, and her unique serving style. Letโ€™s take a look at these shots!

Readyโ€ฆ
Setโ€ฆ
Go girl, go!

While my photography journey started by capturing soccer players during games, the thing I loved most about capturing athletes in action was to witness the way the light hit them doing their thing. You watch someone giving so much effort, their muscles flexing with the movement, the intensity on their face, the thought that went in to the action of what they do. Volleyball is vastly different from soccer, but the elements of what I love are the same. I asked Eva to show me what her hitting the ball looks like, then I had her break it down for me so I could meter my shots. We repeated the action a few times and the results are simply stunning. The light loves this girl, showing you her strength, beauty, and poise. As her photographer, it is an excitement to capture her in motion, but for her to see herself looking so effortlessly dominating, even better!

When we were transitioning in the shoot, Evaโ€™s mom, Layne, asked if we could capture her serve. Of course we can! Eva has a very cool serve and it was impressive to not only watch the power with which she serves, but the way she moves through her serveโ€ฆadd lighting and I am just loving it!!

That hairโ€ฆI may have a bit of hair envy! I loved every minute of capturing Eva in motion, the way the lighting embraced her movements and motions, the way her planes and curves of her face and muscles were shown. Beautiful!!! I adjusted some of the shots so that the pride of her schoolโ€™s accomplishments over the years were able to shine through too. It is only 4 years of a high school athleteโ€™s career, but the pride and legacy that comes with being an alumni that made their mark with their team, having not only your schoolโ€™s support but your villageโ€™s support, is lifeblood, and one that persists and continues for generations to come.

It is an honor to capture someoneโ€™s moment in time, and with Eva, we deconstructed that even further to the actual movement in time. Donโ€™t worry, Eva will be coming in to the studio soon, so make sure you stay tuned to see whatโ€™s happening at E.robinsonphotos in January!

To schedule your own fantastic experience, send me a message, or call (740)418-9211!

Whatโ€™s Your Why, Itโ€™s YOUR Session

Yesterday, I posted some fairly revealing photos of Allia, and I am overwhelmed by the positive responses I have gotten. When you share photos of skin, people are not always receptive to that, are often appalled by it, and sometimes you will get the oddest replies to a question you never asked someone. Why do I tell you this? Itโ€™s YOUR session, tell me YOUR why and weโ€™ll come up with YOUR custom session.

When you contact me, are you wanting to see yourself through my lens because you like what you have seen or you trust I can deliver on your concept, maybe both, maybe more? Do you need visibility for your business, in your job, in your industry, or are you trying to elevate your ability to get hired? Do you want to capture this moment in time that is important to you? Have you made an accomplishment you are very proud of? Or did you see work that I have done and you love the concept for yourself? Maybe it is something I havenโ€™t asked here, and you wish to inquire about making your ideas come to life in captured images by me?

When I contact you about a shoot, itโ€™s because I have seen a vision of you in my head that I want to capture, and it then becomes a process of you telling me no, telling me yes, or working through details that match your expectation and comfort level and seeing how this will work. That last part holds true for both approaches, YOUR session is always about YOU, and your comfort level, and there will always be details to work through.

In both approaches, your comfort level is important, but it is my job to suggest ideas around the concept to help you see yourself in varying ways, ways you may not see yourself, ways you may not be comfortable seeing yourself, ways in which you would love to see yourself, ways in which you feel may be cliche, and ways in which make you think I have bumped my head. It is my job to capture you, authentically, in a safe environment, in a loving environment, in an objective environment, and in an environment where you can not only tell me no, but you can tell me hell no. And then we can laugh about it and move on. It is YOUR story, YOUR why, YOUR session. While I am the photographer, you are the client and subject. We are doing this together, for YOU!

I have been told no many times. I have been laughed at many times. I have had a senior look at their mom, with a help me expression, and me ask if they will try anyhow and I can delete it later. I have heard a yes, and a no on those. Sometimes those are the most cherished shots, other times they say please burn that image. I am good either way and take no offense. It is YOUR session.

So, whatโ€™s your why? Why are you having a photography session? Does it serve a purpose for business or work, is it for your self esteem, do you need a yearbook picture, or are you marking a moment or milestone with your loved ones? Maybe you just want to see how I would capture you if given free reign? Why do you want to capture this moment? How does that look to you? What is the importance of the image for you? What have you moved through to get you to this moment that you want to step in front of the lens and see reflected at you? In consultation, we discuss the why. Thoroughly. We discuss details, and we work through the information, communication.

I had someone that I have been working on to shoot a concept with me, tell me I did not want to see their ass. This is true, I donโ€™t want to see your ass just because I saw Alliaโ€™s. In fact, I was very comfortable seeing Alliaโ€™s derriรจre because she was very comfortable with showing me. We worked on the concept, embracing ideas around it as we shot the session. We talked about it prior, in consultation, so she could have boundaries in place if any aspect was not good for her. It is about YOU and YOUR why.

During your session, I may throw out an idea, see my idea did not work, and I always acknowledge that isnโ€™t about you, but that my idea was not right for you. Other times my client may make a suggestion that I am unsure of but when we work on it together, it produces pure magic. Again, the session is YOURS, and I never lose sight of that. We have the same goalโ€ฆYOUR why, for YOU.

YOUR why. YOUR session.

My concept, YOUR session.

Either way, it is about YOU.

Now, I will tell you that your session will change your life. It may not be noticed today, or even tomorrow, but stepping in front of my camera will leave you seeing yourself in a different light, and that is all about YOU.

Allia, Studio Transformations

It has been roughly 6 months since I have written a blog post here at The Photographist Life, perhaps you missed me, as I have missed you. The studio has had an upgrade or two, but weโ€™ll talk about that another day. Today is all about Allia.

I have known Allia for many years now, and I have always loved taking her picture. I never thought when I first started shooting her during soccer games, that we would ever get to this moment in time. Life often sets you up with people that will have a big impact on you, and Allia is having a big impact on my life!

Allia is so naturally beautiful. She exudes confidence, and is just the right amount of sassy and sweet. She is always aiming to better herself, takes direction with ease and gives me her best every single time she is in front of my camera. She is amazing to work with, takes honing her craft of modeling seriously, and is eager to learn how to step up her game each session we have. I adore her!

Look at her. Sigh. She is stunning! When I conceptualized this shoot, I had all black and white images in my head, with Alliaโ€™s white bodysuit and her black blazer. We aimed to shoot this outfit last session, but honestly, it deserved itโ€™s own set of images, as I am sure you agree. While I was editing, I felt the call to use some color and to tone a few of the images differently. I am a very instinctual with my work from start to finish, and this was very much in keeping with our session that day. Allia and I were so on par, it made us get the giggles at one point, maybe two. Again, she is a joy!!

Same image, it is just desirable to look at either way! Allia has IT, donโ€™t you agree?

In our last session, Allia suggested a pose that she wanted to try, which we both loved. It was the front version of this, in jeans and a black cami, Kim Kardashian inspired she informed me. This is all Allia Hoosier, baby. Strong lines, feminine, sexy, but also high end editorial and evocative in black and white.

This photo. This girl. Allia worked to make this pose happen. She is instinctive in her work, and can show me things I had no idea I wanted to see. She started with a base, took direction. When she put her personality in to this and made some adjustments, I am pretty sure I yelled โ€œTHERE!โ€. Sorry, but who looks that killer in a bodysuit and blazer?? Allia, thatโ€™s who.

I am so thankful for this girl, she is always down to try to bend more, reach higher, move here or there, and she does it all with a smile on her face. Allia, my girl, you are not only amazing, you are HER.

Business Focus: Ben Lucas, Snap-On Franchisee

When we think of small business owners, we often think of stand alone businesses that are not only sole proprietors, but operating from their own system. While this is often the case, it leaves a gap where small business owners working from a franchise system fit in the picture. These are still small businesses, but have a built in support system and framework which they operate from. Today, I would like to introduce you to Ben Lucas, Snap-On Franchisee.

I met Ben when he was working on the Corporate side of Snap-On. Ben started off as a Field Support Specialist in 2007, he diligently worked his way up through many positions ranging from a Company Store Manager, then Franchise Developer, to his last role as a Sales Developer. While working in his last role, an opportunity to buy a route came up, one that he felt he could not pass up, and so he took the jump and became a Snap-On Authorized Franchisee.

Ben has excelled while owning his route, in fact, he has been Franchisee of the Year, the last 2 years in his Franchise Performance Team. This is in part due to the knowledge he came on board with as a former Snap-on associate, what it entailed to have success as a franchisee, but the bigger thing is that Ben strives to have excellent relationships with his customers, and that contributes greatly to his performance. Ben looks at his customers as an extended family, and many of them feel the same way about him.

Speaking of family, Benโ€™s employee, Jarome Harris, truly is more of a family member. When Ben purchased his route from Gary Bartley, they both felt it best to keep Jarome on board, as he was a asset to Gary. Jarome has proven to be a vital asset to Benโ€™s business, and to all of their customers, alike, in fact he runs his own Snap-on truck for the business.

It takes a great team to run a successful Snap-on business, and that starts at home. Benโ€™s wife Brooke, along with their three children, are not only supporters of his endeavors, but they are involved in the business on occasion as well. If you see Benโ€™s truck, you will see the names of his family proudly displayed, letting you know this truly is a family effort.

Ben Lucas cares about his customers, he cares about his community, and he cares about his family, all aspects of it.

A Walk Amongst Flowers

I had intentions of posting several times in the last couple weeks, but lifeโ€™s big moments took precedence as another chapter came to a close. We are officially done with high school in this house, and while that produces many mixed emotions, it also provides opportunity for new experiences and stories. Like flowers in spring time, life renews many times, giving us hope and purpose as we move forward, toward our next leg of the journey.

Please enjoy these images, and look out for daily posts on my IG and E.Robinsonphotos FB page this weekend!

Business Focus: The Madison House of Image

I would like you all to meet Madison, owner/operator of The Madison House of Image, located in historic downtown Chillicothe, Ohio, at 41 South Paint Street.

salon, hair color, balayage, hair highlighting, hair extensions, hair services, high end beauty, upscale salon, hair industry, obagi, skin care, skin services, lash extensions, lash tint, lash services, facial waxing, eyebrow tint, eyebrow waxing, derma planing, spa services, permanent makeup, Dayton Ohio, Cincinnati Ohio, Columbus Ohio, Lancaster Ohio, Cleveland Ohio, Chillicothe Ohio, Jackson Ohio, Washington Courthouse Ohio, Wilmington Ohio, Portsmouth Ohio, clean concept salon
Click photo to open new window for website

I first met Madison by doing a google search, and making an appointment for a derma planing session. I had never been to her place of business, nor had this type of service, yet I was instantly put at ease with Madison’s presence, her personality, and her obvious high level of standard and skill. Upon our initial meeting, we realized that we had a bunch of things in common, and our wide circle of friends and folks we know were very much overlapping. I left my appointment that day more than satisfied with my service, feeling that my high standard was matched in another. When I reached back out to her for another session and to inquire about hair services, she said she would happily take me on as a client, and bonus, she was moving locations to her new salon!

salon, hair color, balayage, hair highlighting, hair extensions, hair services, high end beauty, upscale salon, hair industry, obagi, skin care, skin services, lash extensions, lash tint, lash services, facial waxing, eyebrow tint, eyebrow waxing, derma planing, spa services, permanent makeup, Dayton Ohio, Cincinnati Ohio, Columbus Ohio, Lancaster Ohio, Cleveland Ohio, Chillicothe Ohio, Jackson Ohio, Washington Courthouse Ohio, Wilmington Ohio, Portsmouth Ohio, clean concept salon
Click photo to open new window for Instagram page

I love her salon, it is such a clean, happy, friendly, and upscale setting, while maintaining the charm of the historic locale. I was fortunate to have one on one time with her during the pandemic when services returned, but she has since added more stylists and it feels just as welcoming, friendly and professional as when it was just us, one stylist and one client. I was ecstatic when Madison welcomed Nikki Crabtree to the salon. Nikki is also of high standard, quality service, and is an amazing woman to be around. They have newly welcomed Chloe Seymour to round out their trio, and from what I have seen, she is pretty fantastic too!

salon, hair color, balayage, hair highlighting, hair extensions, hair services, high end beauty, upscale salon, hair industry, obagi, skin care, skin services, lash extensions, lash tint, lash services, facial waxing, eyebrow tint, eyebrow waxing, derma planing, spa services, permanent makeup, Dayton Ohio, Cincinnati Ohio, Columbus Ohio, Lancaster Ohio, Cleveland Ohio, Chillicothe Ohio, Jackson Ohio, Washington Courthouse Ohio, Wilmington Ohio, Portsmouth Ohio, clean concept salon
Click for Facebook page

Now that you know a bit about my introduction to Madison and her salon, let me tell you about the services, products and features…and I may know a SECRET about a major announcement coming soon! Shhhh…

salon, hair color, balayage, hair highlighting, hair extensions, hair services, high end beauty, upscale salon, hair industry, obagi, skin care, skin services, lash extensions, lash tint, lash services, facial waxing, eyebrow tint, eyebrow waxing, derma planing, spa services, permanent makeup, Dayton Ohio, Cincinnati Ohio, Columbus Ohio, Lancaster Ohio, Cleveland Ohio, Chillicothe Ohio, Jackson Ohio, Washington Courthouse Ohio, Wilmington Ohio, Portsmouth Ohio, clean concept salon
Click for website

The Madison House of Image is a bespoke salon, truly. Your experience is customized to you, your needs, your comfort, your personal tastes, YOU. Now, most of us think we know exactly what we want in our hair services, but what is most important is how we will feel wearing this look after the salon, constantly. At the Madison House of Image, you will leave looking your absolute best, but that is not because you walked in the door and said,” I want this.”. No, it is because you may have walked in the door for your appointment, said and showed what you wanted, but there will be questions about what you want and why. There will be questions about how much time you want to spend on that style, there will be questions about how often and how you want to maintain that look, there will be questions about how much product you want to use, and I have no doubt there may be tough conversations about you wanting a hair color or length that may clash with your skin tone and face shape. I told you, bespoke.

salon, hair color, balayage, hair highlighting, hair extensions, hair services, high end beauty, upscale salon, hair industry, obagi, skin care, skin services, lash extensions, lash tint, lash services, facial waxing, eyebrow tint, eyebrow waxing, derma planing, spa services, permanent makeup, Dayton Ohio, Cincinnati Ohio, Columbus Ohio, Lancaster Ohio, Cleveland Ohio, Chillicothe Ohio, Jackson Ohio, Washington Courthouse Ohio, Wilmington Ohio, Portsmouth Ohio, clean concept salon
Click photo for more info

The Madison House of Image has a standard not only for their salon and services, but for their education too. When you are constantly striving for better, you are yielding better results, better experiences, and higher satisfaction levels for those you service. This education is not limited to hair cutting or coloring methods, but hair products, skin care and services, as well as business and hospitality practices. Madison is serious about your experience at her upscale salon, and all of her efforts are shown from start to finish. She takes her responsibility to sustainability serious too, this translates to much benefit for her clients, in her clean concept salon. All of the hair care products used in the salon from color to shampoo, to hair spray and everything in between, is VEGAN. At one point in time, I would have thought that does not really matter, but I am here to tell you, there is a HUGE difference in my hair since switching to not just her preferred hair color, but the products she offers as well. My hair is thicker, healthier, shinier, and all around maintains my salon look better, BEST. So, not only are Madison and stylists educating themselves, they are educating their clients too, all while leaving a better mark on this world, and YOU.

salon, hair color, balayage, hair highlighting, hair extensions, hair services, high end beauty, upscale salon, hair industry, obagi, skin care, skin services, lash extensions, lash tint, lash services, facial waxing, eyebrow tint, eyebrow waxing, derma planing, spa services, permanent makeup, Dayton Ohio, Cincinnati Ohio, Columbus Ohio, Lancaster Ohio, Cleveland Ohio, Chillicothe Ohio, Jackson Ohio, Washington Courthouse Ohio, Wilmington Ohio, Portsmouth Ohio, clean concept salon
Click photo for more info

Remember that I started as a skin care client of Madison’s, and I have seen major longterm, positive results from that. I battled Rosacea my whole adult life, the kind that causes cystic acne, and since that first time derma planing with Madison, it has opened a door to clean and clear skin for my life then and now. I have had several types of facials from Madison, which is important to maintaining clear, healthy skin for me personally. She has a great touch, a lot of beneficial knowledge, and Madison provides a skin care line that is world renown, proven to help fight skin issues while fighting aging too.

salon, hair color, balayage, hair highlighting, hair extensions, hair services, high end beauty, upscale salon, hair industry, obagi, skin care, skin services, lash extensions, lash tint, lash services, facial waxing, eyebrow tint, eyebrow waxing, derma planing, spa services, permanent makeup, Dayton Ohio, Cincinnati Ohio, Columbus Ohio, Lancaster Ohio, Cleveland Ohio, Chillicothe Ohio, Jackson Ohio, Washington Courthouse Ohio, Wilmington Ohio, Portsmouth Ohio, clean concept salon
Click for more info

The Madison House of Image uses Obagi technologies and products, which is not limited to skin care, but to your beauty concerns as well. Want thicker lashes, Obagi and Mad House has you covered. Want to get rid of those dark circles, covered. Want to be protected from the sun and the possible damaging effects of it on your skin?? COVERED. Want to see results? Click the photo of the treatment room below.

salon, hair color, balayage, hair highlighting, hair extensions, hair services, high end beauty, upscale salon, hair industry, obagi, skin care, skin services, lash extensions, lash tint, lash services, facial waxing, eyebrow tint, eyebrow waxing, derma planing, spa services, permanent makeup, Dayton Ohio, Cincinnati Ohio, Columbus Ohio, Lancaster Ohio, Cleveland Ohio, Chillicothe Ohio, Jackson Ohio, Washington Courthouse Ohio, Wilmington Ohio, Portsmouth Ohio, clean concept salon
Click for more info

I said bespoke, but Madison claimed it. This salon is here to customize your hair, skin, and beauty needs! Who doesn’t want that?!?

salon, hair color, balayage, hair highlighting, hair extensions, hair services, high end beauty, upscale salon, hair industry, obagi, skin care, skin services, lash extensions, lash tint, lash services, facial waxing, eyebrow tint, eyebrow waxing, derma planing, spa services, permanent makeup, Dayton Ohio, Cincinnati Ohio, Columbus Ohio, Lancaster Ohio, Cleveland Ohio, Chillicothe Ohio, Jackson Ohio, Washington Courthouse Ohio, Wilmington Ohio, Portsmouth Ohio, clean concept salon
Click for more info

Madison is so confident in her services and those in House, that she put her name on it. You are not just getting a haircut, facial, waxing service, etc., you are having an upscale + beauty experience from a very talented stylist in an exquisite salon, using the best and newest techniques and products to not just enhance your beauty, but your LIFE. I am very thankful that I found Madison, as she has such a high standard for herself, as well as her vocation and for her business. She truly makes those around her better, and she inadvertently pushes you as her client, to be better too. If you want to learn more about Madison, her stylists, or The Madison House of Image, click the photos to learn more. You can call the salon at (740)288-5204, schedule an appointment or consultation, today! Don’t forget to follow The Madison House of Image for an exciting announcement coming soon!!

salon, hair color, balayage, hair highlighting, hair extensions, hair services, high end beauty, upscale salon, hair industry, obagi, skin care, skin services, lash extensions, lash tint, lash services, facial waxing, eyebrow tint, eyebrow waxing, derma planing, spa services, permanent makeup, Dayton Ohio, Cincinnati Ohio, Columbus Ohio, Lancaster Ohio, Cleveland Ohio, Chillicothe Ohio, Jackson Ohio, Washington Courthouse Ohio, Wilmington Ohio, Portsmouth Ohio, clean concept salon
Click for link to website

A Good Photo

Today, I am embarking on a short series that will be about photography, and why we donโ€™t exist in photos. As a woman, I feel that most of us donโ€™t exist in photos the way we would like, or for reasons we may not really be able to explain, or donโ€™t want to explain. I am going to get vulnerable on you, open up about my reasons, and tell you what I have planned, to set an example for you.

First and foremost, my weight does not bother me. My double chin does not bother me. My close set eyes do not bother me. Being captured in a less than flattering pose, that bothers me. I have flaws, or rather, facts about myself that I donโ€™t want accentuated, however, I would like specific things highlighted if I am being captured, none of which are the things I just listed. I believe we all want to look our best in photos, this is why most people will show you their โ€œgood sideโ€ when you ask them to pose for you. When we are taking quick snap shots, unless you spend time learning which poses work best for you, then you may end up looking less than your best, and maybe not even like the you that you feel you are. This recently happened to me, and it was in that moment I knew we needed to address this.

Me, not wanting my photo takenโ€ฆ

Secondly, mothers mainly are the family photographer, always capturing, never showing up in photos. When you couple being the family photographer with never being accentuated in a photograph, you will pass up every single opportunity to be captured and you will never exist in photos. You will become so adamant about not being in photographs that it will make you surly to the point of feeling violated if someone browbeats you in to being photographed, sorry to all of you I did this to. Mothers often put themselves on the back burner for their family, this is true, but more so, moms have a plan, and if you interrupt that plan to take a crap photo of them, they will definitely not be available for your snap the next time.

Me, Brooke and Bill, knowing my photo was being takenโ€ฆ

Amateurs: donโ€™t browbeat people in to getting their photo taken, that is disrespecting their boundaries. Not everyone wants you to capture them with your camera just to prove they exist.

This bring us to a tertiary level, some people are so busy behind a camera that not being in the moment, but capturing the moment, is the more important place for them to be. Personally, I am a person that gets โ€œin the zoneโ€ anytime I have a camera in hand. My mind is a constant state of shots, scenes, angles, lightsโ€ฆand sometimes just getting through the moment, such as a pre dance gathering where there are lots of people, lots of movement, and lots of chaos. The last thing I want in this moment is my picture taken, thank you very much. I am not here to be captured, but to do the capturing.

Me, not knowing my photo was being takenโ€ฆ

As a photographer, we are aiming to show the best version of our subject, something beautiful about our subject, maybe even something a bit hidden, but lovely, about our subject. This goes for all people, not just models. When you capture these aspects of others, there becomes a joy of existing in photos. Otherwise, people may shy away and refuse to have their photo taken. When I was more naive about taking othersโ€™ photos, I would browbeat people in to having their photo taken, for them, for their loved ones, to prove they did exist in life. I can honestly tell you, that was wrong of me, and I can now approach that in a different way, showing results that the hesitant subject not only wants to see, but wants to display for all to see, and maybe makes them want to exist in photos even more.

Me, not knowing my photo was being takenโ€ฆ

These photos of me are not something I want to frame and put on my walls. They are not photos I like to see of myself. Only one of these is preferred by me. I am not existing in the majority of these photos. I am doing something else, my focus and energy is not me being me in that moment, but either capturing others, or not being rude to others. This is not the existence I wish to show the world. Soโ€ฆ

Where does this leave us? It leaves us in a place of importance, a good photo. Do you have a good photo of yourself? How many of you wish you had a good photo of yourself? How many of you try to not exist in photos, on purpose? How many of you hate having your photo taken? How many of you have a load of photos of you around your house? This last one was a trick, good for you people with loads of photos of you in your home, but this isnโ€™t about you, it is for those that donโ€™t exist in photographs. Donโ€™t you all think it is time for you to exist in at least one good photo of yourself? I know I do, and that is what I will be showing you soon. A good photo of me. Maybe 5.

The Prom Grand Finale!

Senior year provides many big moments, but none quite like prom. It is a time when everyone dresses up and puts much effort in to their appearance. Girls wear gowns like they may never wear again in this lifetime, and boys wear suits or tuxedos that they may not dare wear again, even at a wedding. Everyone dresses to impress themselves and others, after all, they are going out in style.

L-R, Top to bottom:Colin Halm, Aron Lee, Scotty Preston, Corbin DeMint. Brooke Robinson, Rene Good, Paige Osborne, Madison Harrod

I am very fortunate with Brooke, she almost always has a plan of what dress she is looking to attain for her school dances. This was the case for her final dance, Senior Prom, but the dress was a bit elusive to obtain. We shopped, no one had it and no one could order it, until we opted to search local. Best Dress Boutique in Chillicothe did not have it, but could order it, and so that is what we did! The dress was even more stunning in person, and with Brookeโ€™s newly, more darkened hair, it was a striking combo! Meadow, who you have seen on the blog, did Brookeโ€™s hair and makeup, and she did an amazing job creating a more natural look for Brooke!

Purple dress, two piece prom dress, Ashley Lauren dress, Chillicothe Ohio, Best Dress Boutique, fringed dress, purple
Brooke, in studio. Click on the photo to see what Best Dress can do for you, and expand the image to see more detail of Brooke and her dress!

I learned long ago to not capture RAW files like I do in a portrait session, but jpegs for a straight upload to social media for the mass of pre dance photos, This saves a bunch of time and effort, even if the results are not what you would call your professional work. Lighting is always changing, you have nothing other than natural light source, not even a reflector to bounce light for supplementing, and you are constantly moving. I remember when I thought I was showcasing my skills through this way, the pre dance photosโ€ฆoof! Please know there is a difference, in the captions I will tell you more. Also, you will be able to click on a few images for specific links you may want to know more about.

Click photo to learn about Meadow! Finding a shady alcove can absolutely enhance your subject by using the shadows.
The sun went behind a cloud, snap it!!
Rene and Aron
Find a swath of shade to keep lighting on your subjects even.
Paige and Scotty
Brookeโ€™s date was her good friend, Colin.
Brooke and Mason Doughty, you can read about Mason by clicking the pic. Tip: turn your subjects towards the most open light source, when there is none.

I love that when Brooke came to Chillicothe in 6th grade, she instantly made many friends, and these are most of the people she spent her time with at prom. You love to see your kids have a good time, sharing that with long time friends just makes it that much more special. Funny enough, Brooke, Preston, and Rene all confirmed they were triplets when Mark of Mark Wood Fun Show asked them. I have known Mark for years, he is a funny guy, and he created a special memory for the kids just by being himself. Kudos, and thank you Mark!

Photo courtesy of Mark Wood, click the picture to learn more about Mark Wood Fun Show!
A cell shot Brooke sent to usโ€ฆ
โ€ฆand another.

Truly, I think this was the best dance for Brooke, she had an amazing time, and she spent it with friends making memories! This is what prom should be like, and what high school memories should look like, fun! I hope you enjoyed the Prom Grand Finale, only one more big event to goโ€ฆI hope I am ready!