Make Jaffy a VS Angel
I first want to start off by celebrating the start of Women's History Month. Prior to this year, I was not aware of such a thing but I think it is essential that we celebrate women & their piece of human history every month, just as we should Black History. But knowing how America has such a selective memory, it is important to take a month out of the year to really focus on this matter. For far too long, women have been the underdog, the under-appreciated, misrepresented, "lesser" of the human race. A lot of my work deals with breaking stigma and uplifting the underdog; from nudity & marijuana, to Blacks & women, thus why the majority of my work features women of color.
Which leads me to today's topic, which also seems like it will be the general topic of the month, being comfortable in yourself. As a lifestyle portrait photographer, I come across a lot of women that are afraid to let down their wall and be themselves in front of the camera. Some, who will give a small piece as a sign of good faith but will keep a wall up. The photographer & muse/model connection is essential for creating amazing photos. Understandably, most muses are apprehensive to reveal or open up to much because there are too many stories of photographers abusing their position to sexually harass women that they get in front of their cams. The unfortunate thing about this is that other, more professional photographers that are serious about their craft are forced to deal with this proverbial wall.
The beautiful thing about the connection that I hold with Jaffy, is that there is a trust on both ends. I have a trust in her that she will not only deliver a quality product whenever she steps in front of my cam but with little instruction, she will also do her homework and get into character with the vibe that we are aiming to collaborate with. And she has a trust in me that I will not place her or shoot her in a compromising position that goes against her set of morals. A connection that I respect. What is difficult is coming to that trusting overstanding with other muses. Myself & Zola have that same connection, as well as a few others but that connection is a rarity.
