Beauty in the Broken

When I arrived to photograph my friend for a styled session, I found her in an emotional state.  Instead of my original concept, I switched gears and proceeded with a centered portraiture session. In moments I witnessed her go from model to emotional mess. At first, I wasn't sure what to do. I was in an interesting dilemma of whether to proceed as a friend or artist. As a friend, I wanted to put my camera down and console her. The artist in me wanted to take advantage of documenting a raw moment. I found a way to capture the beauty in a vulnerable moment and support my friend at the same time. I started asking hard questions she needed to hear herself answer. We've all experienced life-altering situations. Whatever they may be. We realize that there are only one of two choices we can make, either do something about it or feel sorry for ourselves.   

In the initial session, as I listened to the string of questions answered, I documented the realization of her making a decision. Even though she felt she couldn't. I watched her embrace the tornado of emotions that leaves us paralyzed, held down by the weight of reality. We know we want to do something, but we don't always know how to.   

A week later, we met for another session to see what had changed about her current situation. Did she go back to her old routine? I found her with a shaved head. Often when we choose to take a stance, we want some type of outward representation of the dramatic internal change that has taken place. She decided she could. The second session images have a sharpness to symbolize strength in her decision, power in her determination, but also vulnerability, the fear of the unknown, and exhaustion from the overwhelming emotions.   

These images are honest, raw, vulnerable, pure emotions.