I have never really enjoyed photo shoots… they are more something that I feel like I have to endure…

But this time was different.

As I drove to this particular photo shoot, I remembered getting my photos done in elementary and high school… while those might not be considered official photo shoots, they certainly helped shape my feelings towards the whole process.

I never liked lining up to get my photo taken in school.   Students making sure they looked just right; the stench of hair spray filling the halls as girls made last minute desperate attempts to control their tresses.  Everyone would be gathered around the few mirrors to be found on the walls in the school.  Some more savvy students had their own mirrors – albeit tiny ones – in their lockers…  it was all so amusing to me and at the same time, intimidating too.    All part of the delightfully awkward journey of being a teenager…

And of course the photos never really turned out quite right.  You only had two seconds to sit there and the photographer says something like, chin out, turn to the left, lean over a bit, that’s it, okay smile!  Click!   Feeling so uncomfortable with my neck like that, chin jutting out, my smile never seemed natural… more like a frozen, strained look…  ah, how I look back on some of those student portraits and giggle…

And I have had some interesting photo shoots since those days… graduation photos… photos for my CDs… promo shots… wedding photos… some wonderful experiences, some not so wonderful at all…

So, it was with a bit of hestitation that I went to my photo shoot yesterday… I had had a great interview with Greenville’s Talk magazine a couple of weeks ago.  I loved meeting the editor, Kim Hassold, and the writer, Ann Hicks — that is my favourite part.  We laughed together, talked about our families, our passions…we had such fun! I always enjoy the interviews…  Then of course, the words photo shoot came up…

Thankfully, this particular photo shoot was a lovely experience…

My day started out with a hair appointment with Jillian at Christopher Ashley Salon.  Jillian is so great; I have been to see her a couple of times now, and she is a great listener and has such a sweet spirit.  And I am always more than satisfied when I leave.   Then it was off to meet Josh Norris, the photographer… Kim was also there, and we all talked, laughed, and I felt so relaxed…  Josh totally put me at ease, and the shoot didn’t even take very long…  Josh is extremely talented, and I highly recommend you visit his site and take a look at his work.

The entire experience was actually, dare I say it, fun, and not painful at all…  and the great thing was I had the chance to meet some lovely people that I otherwise might never have met…

And the reward at the end of the day was seeing my Little One, all excited to see me home again…  my hair all messy again as we play together and sing and dance…

And then, I just couldn’t resist the urge to take her photo.

Tags: Ann Hicks, Greenville Talk Magazine, Josh Norris Photography, Kim Hassold, photographers, photos