Breaking Out of a Funk

Breaking Out of a Funk


Model: Joanne Guillermo


I had just written about the “mood” of the studio when I was scheduled to photograph a new model. I am normally very excited about working with a new model. I do thoroughly enjoy working with the same model over a period of time because the images change as our relationship matures. I have mentioned that many of the ladies I’ve worked with become good friends of mine. However, there is the unique anticipation of another first shoot that is like no other: How will she photograph? How much direction will she need? What wardrobe will she bring? How will I light her and her clothes? How will she get along with my helper? How will she “fit in” with my style of shooting? These are all great questions and the feelings that go along with them are what keep this whole thing fresh after 30 years. I admit that there are still some nights before a shoot when I don’t sleep very well.

The Sunday for the shoot came around and I was having an off day. Even though my buddy Jon was busy pulling the gear out of the closets, I got to the studio later than I wanted because parking was a nightmare. I also just plain wasn’t feeling good. I was at the tail end of a rotten cold and my stomach was not happy with my choice for lunch. We are all human and sadly, so am I…it was shaping up to be “one of those days.” I knew that I had to turn it around because Joanne was calling from downstairs!









I usually try to meet with a new model before I work with her, but it was not possible this time. I had spoken to Joanne a couple of times on the phone so I knew that she seemed really nice, but I was going to meet her for the first time feeling sub par and still setting up.
I mentioned that the “mood” of the studio was a combination of all of the players and situations involved for that day. I usually try to be the upbeat and enthusiastic one to keep it all moving along. Well, on this day it was my friend Jon and a statuesque young lady with a beautifully exotic look who would pull me out of my funk. I had obviously seen photographs of her, but at 5’ 10” her presence on the set was unmistakable. She was truly professional and was, in fact, an extremely nice lady to work with. It didn’t take very long for the conversations to flow and for me to start pushing the shutter release. She moved with ease from pose to pose and my blah feelings soon dissipated and I was back! We wound up having a lot of fun and I captured some beautiful images. We are looking forward to working together again in the future. Please contact me if you are in Hawaii and are interested in working with Joanne and I’ll pass along the information.