Sam & Ria
Recently, I had the chance to photograph dear friends Sam and Ria in a way that reminded me why I love storytelling portrait sessions so much, and that I need to do them more.
I came with a rough idea and knew I wanted to bring some RGB lights and utilize a star filter I had recently acquired. I had a handful of poses to get us started, but ultimately let the session play out naturally with my models and occasionally bouncing ideas off each other. This creates comfort with all involved, and makes the session feel more like a creative hang out rather than a stiff posed portrait session.
Props are super handy for those that are shy in front of the camera, and can get them feeling comfortable.
More Than Just Poses and Taking Photos
A lot of portrait sessions are focused on getting the perfect image: the right pose, the right smile, the right angle. And there is absolutely a place for that. But storytelling sessions are a little different.
These sessions are about creating a feeling and ultimately going off that feeling to move the session along.
Maybe that means spending an afternoon baking together in your kitchen, having a picnic under the trees, creating art, playing with your pets, or simply playing with childlike wonder and using a prop, like a camera or a kite.
The goal isn’t just to document what you look like. It’s to capture what this moment in your life feels like.
Bringing Ideas To Life
One of my favorite parts of these sessions is the creative process before we even pick up a camera.
Sometimes there’s a specific idea you’ve always wanted to bring to life. Maybe it’s inspired by a favorite movie, a childhood memory, a hobby, a season of life.
Other times, we start with something simple and let the idea grow naturally, which is what I did with this specific session with Sam and Ria.
Props, lighting, colors, wardrobe choices, locations, and little details can all help tell the story. They help create a world that feels like you.
A Space To Be Creative
As someone who has always loved creating more conceptual images, storytelling sessions give me the chance to do that for not just myself, but others.
Not every photograph needs to look like something you’ve seen before. Sometimes the most meaningful images come from trying something new.
Here are a few examples of some self portrait work I have done in the past, and would love to create similar work with clients.
Some Conceptual Self Portrait Work:
Who Are Storytelling Sessions For?
These sessions are for anyone who wants photographs that feel personal, magical, and unique. A photo that is more of an art piece to hang in your home.
Couples who want to capture their connection.
Families who want to remember the little moments.
Artists who want to create something unique.
Pet owners who want to celebrate their bond.
Individuals who want a chance to create.
Whether you have a fully developed idea or just a feeling you want to capture, we can create something together.
Photography doesn’t always have to be about standing still and smiling at the camera. Sometimes it can be about stepping into a moment, creating a little bit of magic, and preserving a piece of your mind.
If you have an idea you’ve been wanting to bring to life, I’d love to help you create it.
Honorable Mention
I also want to say how lovely it is to work on these kinds of sessions with friends and other creatives. I work so much better when I am alongside other artists who understand and we can rif ideas off each other and it really feels like we are playing and creating and our highest potential. It is very freeing. I have known and worked alongside Sam on a few projects for fun, and am happy to say I am always excited and exremtly grateful to work with a very talented creative.
Sam is a painter and a tattoo artist in New Paltz New York. I highly recommend booking them for a tattoo or a commissioned piece of work. Check Sam out at their instagram and website!