photographing artists*

andrea scher, canon digital rebel xti

An epiphany I had a few weeks ago that was always in my subconscious but most recently has come to light is that I am absolutely wild about photographing artists.

They just seem to get the way I move, the moments I may need to be quiet and stare for a while. In those quiet moments I find a relaxed intimacy between us. They don't seem afraid of a story I may need to create in order to capture my vision. The trust and openness between our two creative souls is so very powerful and magical.

There are times when I can be very energetic and funny but I find I am most comfortable in my skin when I am observing quietly, where there is space to breathe and communication is more from movement than words. Perhaps this is why being a dancer and a mime always came naturally to me in the past.

Creative souls seem to get this about me. They don't feel intimidated or question the shifts during our session.

The other day, I was talking with a dear friend about what I would like to manifest in my life this year. One of them was photographing more artists...of all types...including musicians. Over the few weeks following that conversation, I heard from some creative beauties that I have admired from afar, inquiring about sessions with me. I now have future sessions with these three amazing creative geniuses. When I heard from them, I felt weepy in a good way. I mean, these are women that I have been a fan of without them knowing. Women I secretly drool over behind the scenes...not only because of their inner and outer beauty, but because of their insanely creative talent that inspires me to no end.

I felt like it was such a gift. Like I am being protected and reminded that life, even through the pain, can unfold into other dreams coming true if I stay open, clear and confident about what I love to do. I remember squealing to my husband..."I JUST said a few days ago that this is what I wanted!" (i am sure there was jumping and clapping and more nerding out of some sort).

This all happened when my heart was broken and I felt messy about the possibility of being a mom after the adoption fell through. I somehow still found the power within myself to say..."Wait! I am so many other things than a woman longing to have a child with the love of her life! I am an artist! I have lots to give to this world! Screw self doubt!". Its always when I focus on what I want, rather than what I don't want to happen, the magic trickles in. Its not always easy. Sometimes its fricken hard and nearly impossible to get into that head space of knowing I have the power to create the life I want. It mostly happens when I become really *clear* about what I desire and then when I allow myself to hope and believe and FEEL worthy of these things...it starts happening. Sometimes in small ways...and sometimes in big ways, like with these photo shoots I'm excited about.

I am so grateful I have something else to put my energy into this year while we are back on the crazy wild horse of trying to conceive. I want to manifest more of this in my life.

So, if you're an artist/musician and need photographs taken for your website or album covers or for marketing in any way...and you're not afraid of a grungy arty style and feeling like a rock star...I might be your gal. ; )