SELCOUTH+MERAKI
Selcouth: Unfamiliar, Rare, Strange, yet Marvelous
Meraki: The Soul, Creativity, or Love put into something; the essence of yourself that is put into your work
I was told this year that the art I am doing is unique and its own genre. That I needed to cultivate the process and name it what it is. I have done that. I spent weeks searching for what I do. After speaking to my tribe, I found out that I breathe life into my art. Therefore, I respirare la vita. Italian meaning "to breathe life." But that wasn't exactly right. Then Brent Heironimus inspired me with Selcouth+Meraki.
Selcouth: Unfamiliar, Rare, Strange, yet Marvelous
Meraki: The Soul, Creativity, or Love put into something; the essence of yourself that is put into your work.
The process of creating art is different for every artist. Mine is unique and intimate. Hence why my images command such emotion and depth of a person. It is intentional. So if you are interested in working with me for a shoot this is how we make it happen.
Start off by contacting me via phone, text or email. I respond to all of my clients within two hours of contact. It is basic professional courtesy and I refuse to use the worn out excuse of "I am busy" to justify my lack of communication. There will be rare exceptions such as travel, emergencies, etc.; however, I will communicate that to you when I make contact. I believe in full transparency. This helps build and foster trust in our working relationship. That is essential to get the images we desire.
Once you have shown interest I will schedule a consult. This happens via video chat, questionnaire or preferably in person to discover who you truly are. What makes you get up in the morning, inspires and drives you. When someone usually asks a person "Tell me about yourself?" we usually supply the basic cultural superficial answers of occupation, children, family titles, animal lover, blah blah blah. The bland and unsavory. That doesn't excite me. I want to know what about life takes your breath away. What lights up your eyes and puts an eternal smile on your face. Once we figure that out I tailor your shoot to bring out the best of you.
Look at my images. One thing you will notice is the eyes, the gateways to the soul. I have seen so many amazing images in my lifetime but they are soulless. I make sure to bring out of the life in that person. To showcase that emotion of the spirit. To tell their story one click at a time. That is what I do. Soul Photography. It is unique, different and precious. Any stranger can show up, take a few shots and send them to you for a fee. However, I take my time searching for the true you and deliver something that is one of a kind.
Once we have decided on the type of shoot, we will need to book a time. A 50% deposit is required at the consult to secure your spot. This is to insure you will show up and I will make time for you. The balance is due at the time of the shoot. We can discuss payment options at your consult.
Everything else is pretty organic. I will send you the contract and other necessary documents for our experience. Also please note: be on time for your appointment. If you arrive more than 15 minutes late for your shoot, your shoot will be cancelled and your deposit will not be refunded. Time is valuable. Time is money. Being on time is respectful. Disrespect is shown by being late. I do not care for disrespect. That this does is throw off the energy for the shoot and attempting to create art in that condition is almost impossible. Respect the craft and the person. I always do the same.
