Usually my Saturdays are filled with a studio session, or an on-location bridal session or an afternoon of snuggling up to my hubby.  But not this time.  Nope.  Saturday was like a flashback to my New York summers of imitating my best Zoolander.  My girl Rachel and I were asked by a couple of fellas over at Miche Bag to pose for some spreads for the Japanese market.  I’m tellin’ ya, these handbags are actually pretty cool.  But that’s besides the point.  I found myself in an unusual predicament of self-consciousness.

It has been over 6 years since I have modeled and not only that, I’M usually the one looking through the lens.

Lets rewind for a moment:  When doing a high fashion shoot in a substantial studio in the big markets such as New York, the sets are HUGE.  Lighting crew, camera crew, hair stylists, makeup and retouch, wardrobe specialists, production managers…all of them are watching YOU in front of the camera.  There is no time for sweating, blushing, or unprofessionalism.  You are being paid the big bucks so you have to perform.  Yes, it can make a girl nervous but I forgot about the most important piece of the production….the photographer.   He or she has the most important job in the world.  Looking through that lens, you have so many things to think about.  But most importantly, you have to make sure your models are doing what you in-vision while looking through your viewfinder.  One of my favorite photographers was one of the kindest individuals I had ever met.  He made me laugh, gave me good direction, and constantly reassured me when I was hitting the right pose or doing what he was looking for.  He, somehow, made everyone else in that studio disappear.

Now, back to the Miche Bag shoot.   We weaved in and out of numerous alley ways, street ways, metal chairs, snowy stairs, and coooooooold 30 degree shaded areas.  I know, being a model is so tough   The set consisted of one photographer and 3 handsome guys holding product and helping out with the shoot.  But for some reason, I still felt stupid or silly, and was constantly asking the photographer if I’m doing what she was wanting.  “Do you want me here?  How would you like me to sit?  Am I looking at you or looking at the camera?  Is this okay?  Do I look like a dork?”  Etc. etc. etc.  I also found myself more conscious of the 3 fellas standing there watching.

Now don’t get me wrong, this photographer of this session was so kind.  In fact, I know that she does fabulous work.  This was more a friendly reminder to myself of how important the role of the photographer is in directing and making your “subjects” feel comfortable.  If you are a photographer, and are so worried about lighting and technicalities, you might lose the confidence of your clients.  Talk to your subjects.  Make them feel totally radical.  Tell them if they are workin’ it, or doing a fantastic job.  Make a momma feel sexy, and make a man feel like a rockstar.  Everyone wants to feel like a model.

Give them the experience of feeling and looking beautiful.   Then, a few days later, show them the actual proof with your photographs.

In the meantime, I’m going to hold my breath and take a look out for these Miche photos.  (Eek!)