…to take part in my photography project.

It wasn’t easy as I have a very weird nervous way of talking to strangers and asking if they would like to take part in my project. I soon realised how important it is to have someone in the sidelines to help you with certain things. Keep you in check and all that.

For the most part, this involved them having bare shoulders and we know how that goes in autumn and you are all layered up. Good thing, the studio I had booked for the shoot was kind of private.

Setting up the H3D Hasselblad

Anyway, I used whatever resources I had at my disposal and went for it. Approached willing participants from around campus. I got quiet a few weird stares, but I managed to get at least 10 students willing to take part. Even I was shocked.

The rest were some of my colleagues.

Rosario sitting for me for lighting test shot

Nicole sitting for me and final set-up for images

I am still shooting the project in the hope to be finished by the end of this month. My determination is fuelled by words I keep uttering to my son, “Please finish it, as you have already started.”

This particular assignment is making me approach total strangers, ask them for something and build some sort of relationship.

After all, if I am to be portrait photographer, I have to keep practising how to talk to people from all walks of life – family and friends excluded – as it is the most daunting thing I would ever do.

This is for the COURAGE & CONFIDENCE to see this project through.