"Beauty can be seen in all things, seeing and composing the beauty is what separates the snapshot from the photograph." This quote by Matt hardy is powerful. For myself, it took on a special meaning a number of years ago.

I have mentioned this story a few times, and since it happened the first time, it's happened plenty of times since. I was assisting Monica Brant at a FEM Camp in Austin, Texas a few years ago. The Sunday portion of the camp is devoted to photo shoots with each camper. This one lady from Atlanta, Georgia did not want to shoot. She felt uncomfortable and resisted Monica's and Lynda's encouragement. Sunday morning rolled around and surprisingly enough, this lady had decided to give the photo shoot a go. I quickly sensed the apprehension and ensured the mood was relaxed. With Monica leading the posing beside me I took the first photo. I reviewed it and showed Monica who insisted we show the lady. Tears quickly mounted in her eyes. "OMG! That's not me! That's beautiful. Wow. I haven't felt beautiful in years. No one has said I look good, including my husband, in over twenty years. " The tears flowed freely causing both Monica and I to nearly tear up. The power of the camera became entrenched in my psyche at that time and it's moments like that I cherish.

Everyone can pick up a camera and take a decent photo these days. What separates photographers is the subtle ability to "see" and "capture" beauty so each viewer can witness something more powerful in a photo. The rawness of beauty exposed can evoke emotion and when it's seen by the subject themselves it's the start of a successful journey of self confidence.

As photographers, what do you look for in your model? Do you get caught up in the model themselves? Do you see past the outward beauty and search for a shot that truly captures a models being? We receive hundreds of submissions a week from photographers, however, most of the images fail to connect with the viewer. It's one thing to shoot a pose, it's another to capture emotion. It's easy to hide a shot behind photo shop skills, it's another to let the image do the speaking.

Models, what do you give your photographer? Do you allow your personality to ooze out? Do you look through the lens for the strongest eyes? Or do you move systematically from one pose to another while the photographer comments "Great! Love it!" without indulging much real feeling?

Remember, a beautiful model doesn't make a beautiful photograph. As you embark on your next photo shoot, keep Hardy's quote in mind and together aim to create a masterful piece of art that you are truly proud of.

In health & fitness,

DF