Gabby's WORD 26 April 2012

Until today, my headshot for this piece was a terrible image of me from three years ago. I can’t blame the photographer. It was my fault; I am the worst subject. It confuses me each and every time I attend a wedding, party, black tie, Christening, awards show… How do you take a decent photo and why do some people love being in front of a camera? According to my friend, Ruth Ward and photograper of the above image, it’s about looking at the camera, directly, with a smile on your face. I have always, without failure, hated the camera and I have always, unless very tipsy, hidden from it.

 

Little Black Book needed headshots of me and it appears as we grow, more people want an image of me on some website, programme, blog. New photos had to be taken. I knew that to face my fear I needed a talented and good friend who would manage to capture me when, for a fleeting second I might be at my best and ply me with wine to the point of rosy cheeks, not cross eyes so that I could laugh and relax. Why is there such a divide between people who love the camera and those that look for the nearest rock when they see a lens? I’ve been thinking about this a lot today. One of my colleagues believes that taking a photo of someone is about capturing their personality, not their image and that she has a huge issue with people being stylized and posed for a photo as that it doesn’t capture anything, it’s just colours and shapes. In that case, who does feel comfortable in a headshot for work or a passport photo; an image which is a representation of your physical self rather than you. 

Check out my photographer, Ruth Ward's website: http://rutheward.photoshelter.com (and yes, that is a photo of Paul McCartney). Very talented lady... 

 

Last night I spent time with the talented photographer and 180 Amsterdam PR Manager Latoya van Der Meeren. She asked me if she could take my photo some time, which was deeply flattering, but not only are most of her subjects half clothed or naked, but they are, as a whole, very relaxed, calm, peaceful. We spent some time talking about her images and her inspirations, she’s a talented young lady and you can check out her work in my interview with her for the New Talent section. 

 

Back to the original question - I have no idea. Many famous faces stick like glue to a photographer and have amazing results each and every time. But what about the girl or boy at each and every party that always manages to nail the image. Is it just cheek bones or are they constantly posing, always thinking about the lense. I’d love to hear other thoughts on this. Mainly so that I can manage a respectable photo and not another class clown image. Answers on a postcard please.