Shelli Emerson Foth

Traci and i will both admit, she's somewhat of a difficult model. Not because she isnt beautiful, because she is. Gorgeous, acutally. She just feels really awkward in front of a camera.

We've had many conversations as to why this is, and I dont have much room to talk on this one, because im awkward in front of a camera too, but im the photographer so it works out really well for me.

Anyway, she says she feels like there is someone else there when my camera is around. Like someone she doesnt know very well is hearing her talk about some of her deepest feelings and emotions an observations. An interesting concept, i understand where she is coming from.

Because of this she is always very stiff in front of the camera. She is never completely comfortable and herself when its around. No matter how good the lighting is or how amazing the spot is, i can never quite get my her to be comfortable enough to get a non-posed shot. Its been a little frusterating, but really good for me - if i want to be a photographer im going to have to learn how to draw out subjects from the awkwardness of being the center of attention - so i'll learn what i can from this.

I've been so lucky in the past, that eventually my models relax and enjoy being in front of the camera, but not Traci... She's different. I think i like it about her though, capturing a real smile from her is an acomplishment and she's a challenge. She's helping me learn a lot about photography. Its really good for me, and i like the challenge :)

She told me the other day, that she thought she might do better if i had some sort of goal for her to accomplish. Like, "I want the outcome of this photoshoot to look like this..." kind of thing. Something that i am trying to get across with the pictures.

I thought about if for awhile. It was a really pretty day and that always makes me want to take pictures, and Traci came home and i was like "Sweet!"

I told her i wanted to explore her idea of beauty. I asked her to think about what makes her feel beautiful and thats what i wanted to shoot.

She surprised me with her answers...

Photograph 1-3

Traci feels beautiful when she's streching. She says its something to do with the fact that she was in gymnastics for years and she likes the feeling.

Photograph 4

Traci like the feeling of her hair when its half dry. She doesnt think it looks very good, but she really likes the way it feels when she runs her fingers through it. It makes her feel beautiful.

Photograph 5

Traci feels beautiful when she's wearing those shoes. She didnt give a reason why, but i suppose there's just something about wearing heels that makes a girl feel grown up and beautiful. She says they hurt though. She also likes wearing a slip by itself. I think she said because she likes how it feels on her skin.

Shelli