I don't often share that my first "real job" out of college was at a big box photography studio. Mostly, because I don't feel good about the work I did there. I was a cog in a machine that treated customers like numbers. It was a "sit here, look here" * snap * formula the generated photographs, not portraits - and it still pains me to think of some of those experiences.

People are SO much more than what the camera sees! (It's just a machine, afterall.)

It's about connection and communication. It's about what the subject wants to see in themselves. It's what they want people to know about them. It's about an authentic moment that reveals the beauty of who that person is.

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Photographs become portraits when you can SEE the INNER PERSON.

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My favorite moments are through genuine connection, knowing that someone can look at the portrait - be it a headshot, brand photograph or conceptual portrait - and see part of themselves.

The sweetness of her voice carried over the phone as we discussed a time to meet. I could hear unspoken nerves waivering through. She’s working through something, I thought to myself. I wonder what her story is.

“I would never do this for myself.”

— Tia

Sitting across from each other for the first time, I could see Tia was finding a way to express exactly why she was there. “I would never do this for myself,” the words escaping her lips like the carbonation from an untapped bottle of soda. “I’m doing this for my boyfriend. He’s good to me - he’s too good to me.” Her fingers twisted her ring as she continued. “He thinks I’m beautiful. I’ve never thought I was - but he does and he wants nice pictures of me, pretty pictures. He wants me to see my pretty.”

A gentle smile overtaking my face, I was delighted she had the courage to meet with me. I could see what her boyfriend saw, the gentleness in her eyes, the warm glow of her skin, a sweet and nurturing spirit beaming from her. You could tell she loved the people in her life fiercely.

”How do you want to see yourself?” I asked, leaning in to hear her answer.

She stammered for a moment, not quite sure how to answer.

”It’s okay. Take your time. It’s a tough question to answer.”

Tia laughed nervously.

Her blue eyes studied me intently. ”I want to feel good about myself. I want to look young and fresh - how I feel inside. I want to see how Tom sees me. I want to see I’m beautiful.” Her answer was monotone but earnest.

”What makes someone beautiful to you?” I prompted, further delving into how she may want to get to know herself.

The sun began to set behind the treeline as she began to answer. A ray of light splayed across her golden hair as she said “Oh, I don’t know. I think when people are happy. I think Happy is beautiful.”

The soft smile on my face grew. “I like that. When are you happiest?”

Tia went on to explain how Tom made her feel, how she’d been in difficult relationships before with people who always wanted more or better from her even when she was trying her hardest. Her cheeks flushed as she talked about how he treated her like a princess, how he loved her and doted on her and how she couldn’t believe she’d met someone who cherished her. It made her start to feel differently about herself, a change I could even see unfolding right in front of my eyes as her shoulders relaxed and her face became more animated as she talked about her time with Tom.

She was ready to start loving herself.

Boisterous laughter surrounded me like the overflowing knit of my favorite sweater as I sat at the table. The twinkling of the warm Christmas lights softly falling on every smiling face. Our plates long since empty and stomachs full, we sat for the simple purpose of filling our hearts with each others company. Quietly I sat back, watching the communion between friends and time began to slow. I memorized each loved one's expression and reveled in their joy, slowing down my mental pace to consume every detail... and there was peace.

It's important to slow and appreciate a moment. My spirit always finds deep refreshment in doing so. It's like sitting in a river, being fully part of a current but pausing to watch the droplets of every splash and notice every bubble as it swirls in the current.

There's been so much excitement and positive connection through Jasper & Fern lately that I've been thrilled to immerse myself in. Today though, I've found it necessary and refreshing to slow my mental pace, fill my spirit with pure appreciation and revel in each shared moment that has flowed into this moment in time.

Especially in a time where human connection is minimal and one of the best ways to care for each other is from a distance, I am most appreciative of all the people and business owners with whom we've found new ways to meaningfully come together and build relationships.

You are appreciated.
You are loved.
You are seen.

I'm looking forward to dinners and in person connections with you when the time is right.

~ With gratitude ~

Alyson

If you asked my husband to describe my organizational skills, he’d chuckle lovingly and tell you I don’t organize like most people. I’d have to agree. Most of the time, in fact, if you see me behind the scenes I’ll be covered with dog hair, stray hairs spraying out of my braid, my bangs every which way, muttering to myself while standing in front of an overloaded table or sitting at a cluttered desk. (Tidiness is truly not one of my virtues.) It may surprise you to know, however, that in my cluttered mind I’m intensely detail oriented.

I’ll get a concept in my mind and hunt down the pillar elements that give foundation to the idea. Then, I’ll allow the space for the other elements to happen organically - as art should be. In my own mind, this process works well. On the outside, however, this process more than likely looks like disheveled clutter. I’m partial, sure, but I think it’s a beautiful mess.

Just like in my own mess, I love to get a raw look behind the brands I work with. I like to see their turning wheels and the structures (or lack there of) that work best for them. I like to see how the business owner’s brain works.

It’s in this observation behind the scenes that I get to jump into the inner workings of a small business. I get to examine the cogs, study the blue prints of why there were places where they were and how they connect to everything else. Every detail has its reason, after all, and every element has its story. A story I love to tell through beautiful brand photographs - organized chaos and all.

A peek behind the scenes of me as I prepare for a branding session. | Winston Salem Brand Photographer | Jasper & Fern