Rebel Queen

My son tells me he interprets the title as me being a rogue photographer that is rebelling against people holding me back because they won’t let me “do me” and express myself. Pushing me into photography for-a-profit by any means necessary. Don’t get me wrong, I expect payment but if it doesn’t keep my interest or say what i’d like it to say I’d rather not do it.

How is it said again?, All hail to the queen … Her majesty the queen has arrived… lol.. Well, I can’t be confused with Queen Elizabeth II or Queen Latifah but I have been told I am the queen of self portrait photography. The past few days I’ve been thinking about what I really want to do in regards to photography. Normally, when I’m asked to photograph others I hesitate because I like to photograph STYLISH people. People who aren’t afraid to wear mixed patterns/textures, pack on the accessories like hats, scarves, gloves, etc.  Basically, when you open magazines like Nylon, Harper’s Bazaar, Marie Claire and Vogue THOSE are the images I want to shoot. If you can bring style to a shoot when I’m shooting you I feel inspired to continue but If you come to me wearing common everyday wear, asking me to pose you in a way you are describing to me as if they would do at Sears or JC Penny then I’m not inspired and I don’t want those images to represent me. Sorry, I’m better than that. I’d rather never pick up the camera again if I had to be one of those photographers who simple shoot for $$ only. I believe in charging my worth and what my skills allow me to do and I’m not sure if shooting newborns and family portaits will catch the eye of that fashion designer, stylist or magazine editor.

I saw someone advertise a wedding package that starts at $450…REALLY!? I’ve shot weddings before and If you are a serious photographer with some serious editing and design skills you will never go through all that work for $450. Those are the type of photographers who destroy the art of photography. It’s insane. So anyway, my husband sat me down and told me I was looking at this all wrong. I should not count out anyone who come to me for photographs because you never know…  If it’s meant for me to be a fashion photographer than I’ll be one but first I must change my way of thinking. Soooooo, from this point on because I know I’m a darn good photographer I’ll accept the title of “Queen”, continue to learn all I can and become more involved in DIRECTING those in front of my camera to give me exactly what I want.

I was thinking about not photographing the public anymore and simply keeping my love for photography as my personal hobby but because I know in my heart this talent comes from above there must be a reason for me having it. With that being said, I’ll continue to share my skills with all those who desire and I won’t turn any one away. I’ve been getting too many signs that I’m suppose to be photographer.  I can still photograph you AND submit personal projects (Models and Fashion) to magazines

Thanks for hanging in there with me guys! Enjoy the photos:

Ps.. The shirt says “Rebel” hint the title of the post and as you can see, my son came in to make his cameo appearance.. lol