Support System, 2009
Added 2016-10-09 06:14:57 +0000 UTCWhen I took this self-portrait, I had just gone through a particularly tough year dealing with models. I had made myself available to several women in that time, advising them when asked, listening to their issues, giving car rides, buying a few meals, and even loaning a bit of money. But I finally hit a breaking point. It had taken me a few years, but I was finally learning that as a photographer dealing with models, you had to draw the line. It is important to maintain a solid and stable friendship with the people you work with, but you don’t have to be their best friends. Nor do you have to think you can solve any of their long-held issues. Most importantly, I learned that I needed to pick a higher caliber of model. Looks and a nice shape are important, but a calm and gentle demeanor, or at least a personality that isn’t self-destructive, is of paramount importance.
Take it from me, keep this in mind the next time you look for a woman to take photos of.
