Photos by H+L Creations with contributing photographer, Sabrina Runge.
Models honestly do not get enough credit for what they do.
Most people do not realize the level of difficulty and oftentimes discomfort (anyone remember Kate Upton posing for that SI swimsuit issue in the literal Arctic?!) that comes with posing for a breathtaking photo.
We’ve learned there is a certain technique for everything in modeling, from walking in a way that looks natural to arranging your body to get the most flattering angle, and these are not skills you can pick up in a day.
We’ve been doing this for months and we’re just now getting to the point where we are starting look and feel comfortable in front of the camera.
And for me, also behind the camera. Starting this blog was a particular challenge because unlike Hannah, I did not have much experience photographing other people.
My friends and I loved to do impromptu photoshoots in high school, but back then I enjoyed being in front of the camera a lot more than being behind it.
Hannah’s guidance has helped me come a long way with my photography skills, and now I know what lighting to look for, what camera angles to capture, and the exact ground/subject/sky ratio I need to achieve to create a visually appealing photo.
When I was seventeen and modeling in front of the camera, I really only had two faces: serious and smiling.It was not until I started watching YouTube videos and looking at modeling tutorials on Pinterest that I really began to learn how to model for photos.
I honestly felt silly at first when I tried out the techniques, like taking long strides while on the balls of my feet and constantly changing my facial expressions and hand placement while the camera was clicking.
But, I’m glad I went through the phase of feeling ridiculous because now I actually kind of feel like I know what I’m doing.
I say ‘kind of’ because does anyone ever truly feel like they know exactly what they’re doing? (No.)
-S
I’ve always been more comfortable behind the camera. It feels safe, and it’s something I’ve always loved to do. When I was young, I would jump in front of the camera every now and then, but I mostly preferred taking photos of other people.
Soon after Sabrina and I became friends, we decided to start a fashion blog, so I was suddenly thrust headfirst into the world of modeling. I thought I would have a bit of an upper hand because I’ve been photographing other models for years, but I’ve learned it’s a completely different world in front of the camera.
When all eyes are on me, it’s as if my brain shuts off, my hands get clammy, and I forget all the modeling tips I’ve ever learned.
But once I get past the first few shots and get my blood pumping, the shots start to turn out how I picture them in my head.
There is a certain energy in modeling, with each click of the camera comes a different pose, a different look; it’s a rhythm.
Find your rhythm in whatever you do.
Perseverance is key when it comes to doing anything you set your mind to.
If you want to perfect your craft, you have to work diligently at it. It won’t just happen overnight.
-H
Throughout this experience, we have personally realized the truth behind the saying,
“To be good at something, you first must be willing to be bad at it.”
No one starts off being an expert at anything.
Everyone has to start somewhere, and if you are not willing to make a fool of yourself at first, you will never get to the point where you are actually skilled at whatever it is you are trying to do.
So, don’t forgo learning how to make a flawless creme brûlée or attempting a class five rock climb because you do not have the skills to do those things at this very moment.
You will get there soon enough.
The awkward, amateur phase does not last forever, and once you get past it, you will be incredibly proud that you did not quit halfway through.
“A river cuts through a rock not because of its power, but because of its persistence.”
Ensemble of Elan 