School Ball season

The school ball season has been quieter for me this year.

It is a highlight of the winter months.

They bring about artistic possibility’s which addresses a core belief of mine.

I don’t make people look good, I allow people to feel good.

Almost like mini weddings, condensed into a few hours.

I admire the effort which goes into the night.

It is justified, in many cases it does partly represent the transformation from mummy's little boy/girl towards adulthood.

In many cases, it is a once in a life time event.

Perhaps that is good reason to get quality images to reminisce by.

All that time and effort recorded forever.

Hair and make-up, flowers, dresses, suits, vehicle hire and the meal. 

It all adds up quickly.

Time stressing, trying to bring two families together in one spot at one time.

(The wedding analogy bears reference here too.)

To look back in 20 years and have cellphone pics?

Entrust the moment to a family member who thinks they know what they are doing?

I don’t mind working alongside someone who is familiar to the family.

It does bring a relaxed nature to an often anxious time.

We compliment each other.

I wont release unflattering images.

It is a pivotal age for many young people, for both girls and boys their confidence relates to their looks.

Well, often mum doesn’t see the flaws, and she just sees the positives.

It is all lovely to her.

Candid images are memory's, and they should be saved too.  

(Maybe just not displayed on the wall lol)

Perhaps from a promotional point of view on my part,

I encourage family snapshots.

It offers a direct comparison of your expectations, and what I can deliver.

A cellphone fulfills your expectations of a 'good photo', and I blow that expectation out of the water.

As long as we are not directly competing for the attention of the subject(s), go nuts.

They are your memory's.

The time constraints are a two edged sword.

This session all I had was about 30 minutes.

The car was there at 630pm and the event was at 7pm.

Family photos could be done before hand.

Quick outside sunset. No time to travel, middle of the street it is.

Social nicety’s do go out the window.

It is a series of mutter, mutter *insert cuss word* moments. 

(It is directed at myself, it is about the problem solving process of manipulating the light)

I need to deliver, but I don’t want to take your time and dominant your experience.

It is a juggling act, the night is about you, not just about photo's.

That is where my experience come to play.

I know what I am capable of, and everyone is different.

Each session is unique,

the background may look similar,

but the people are special.

That is what is exciting.

The time constraints reinforce my cheeky new hashtag  #notmanyifany.

I am doing what others cant, I dont need to judge myself internationally all the time.

And I take pride in that.  

I never get tired of the excitement.

So much so, I am charging bugger all for my time.

It isn’t about the money, it is all about the image, and more importantly the potential image.

The one which is coming next. The one still in my head.

To allow people to feel special.

Because you are. There is only one you.

Perhaps when demand outstrips supply, prices will go up.

But for now, fek that, lets do cool stuff.

So when you look back, or your grand kids look back in 50 years……

What will you have?