Fellow East Texas Photographer

Whose idea was "National Selfie Day"?  It reminds me of the line in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, "Snozzberries? Who ever heard of a Snozzberry?"  I didn't know that a national day for celebrating a photograph that one has taken of oneself, actually existed.  But, then again, it shouldn't surprise me with days like "National Eat Your Beans Day" and "National Garfield the Cat Day", why would there not be a "National Selfie Day"?

The morning of said day I woke up to another photographer's post about a contest she was going to do in honor of the holiday.  It sounded like a great idea, so I stole it.  Fortunately for me, photography is like recipes, we see them, try them, and tweak them to make our work what it is. I too would offer a free headshot to the winner of a drawing.  The idea was for people to post their selfies in the comments.  Sometimes things don't go according to plan.  Instead, people posted their names. lol

I decided to post a Facebook Live announcing my stolen idea.  Since I hadn't put my face on yet and I needed to make this announcement as quickly as possible, I devised a cunning plan.  I would hide, my face that is.  My son had painted a beautiful canvas for me that I grabbed on my way out the door.  It covered half my face and then I used my hair to cover a good amount of the other side of it.  

Announcement made, I waited until 9:00 p.m. that night to take the contestants names, write them down, and mix them up.  Again I went Live and drew a winning name.  The winner was a fellow photographer, Ashley Hill.  I was so surprised I read the name with obvious shock in my voice.  Ashley was the first photographer here that asked me to assist her.  I sent a congratulations letting her know that she'd won.  She too was surprised, she said she never wins anything.

Being new to Longview, business, and having a new Facebook business account, I'm still learning so many things.  East Texas consists of several cities and towns within a good 60 mile radius or so.  In this area we have a photography group that celebrates #communityovercompetition by encouraging one another, helping each other, and getting together when we can.  Unbeknownst to me, there are not one, but two Ashley Hills in the group.  

So to be fair, I offered a headshot to both of them.  I am a social butterfly, so I was really excited to meet the other Ashley.  When we finally got to meet I was so glad she'd won.  She's a sincerely sweet lady with a great big smile to match.

She'd brought a jacket as I'd suggested, but said she wasn't sure that she liked it with the blouse.  I encouraged her to start with it and then we'd see what she thought after I took a few images.  It's my goal with every client, to make them feel good and look good in their portraits.  After almost every image I showed her she said, "Oh, I like that one!"  We changed locations and removed the jacket.  The background was complimentary to her branding colors and she was really pleased with an image we took there.  

Here are my favorites.  The last one is the best.  Honest, pure laughter.  

Ashley is a wife, mom, photographer, and and an AAP, data processing clerk.  Somehow, I manage to meet the coolest people!  Knowing that many of us wear so many hats encourages me.  Thankful I was able to take her headshots.  She was a joy to work with!  

If you haven't had your headshot updated in awhile, please leave a comment below.  For a short time I'm offering a free headshot to business professionals to build my east Texas portfolio.

Blessings,

Zoe

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