I can finally rest because I got my “this is her” photo.
Everyone knows I take an inordinate amount of photos (mostly of my Pomeranians and of course, well, myself), but for professionally-taken photos, it’s actually become a treat for me. And the reason is: I’ve taken a step back from modeling for the past couple years just because I’ve come to be quite picky about the photographers and brands I work with. I also live in Texas, and although I do have representation, there just isn’t a lot of opportunities here compared to a place like LA or NYC. That’s okay, I’ve made that choice.
My point is: now, when I do agree to work with a photographer as their model, it means I’ve vetted their work and trust them. When a Houston photographer, Moses Hernandez, reached out to me last year, I was impressed with his photography style! Photos from this post are my second time working with him, and when doing the shoot, little did I expect that I’d get one of my favorite portraits of myself out of it!
I often get asked to share my tips when posing for pictures, but I don’t have an exact formula. It all depends on the vibe of the photoshoot, aesthetic of the look, the outfit, etc. My best tip I would share is to simply have comfortability in your own skin. Confidence shows up how you present yourself, and that confidence is most definitely captured in photos, especially those professional high-definition lenses. When you have confidence, you have the ability to zone out the world and truly “feel” yourself, which is really good for modeling. It all comes down to have good aura.
I must also add, however, that I do have a background in dance, which really helps with that mind-body connection. When you have confidence in your mind, having a strong connection with mind to body will reflect in a stronger body language as well
Moses and I got some really great photos from this photoshoot, but my favorite is this one with this skin-tight little black silk dress.
For this shoot, it was my first time wearing this dress, and wow, I’m not sorry for saying that I rock that dress. At first I was a tiny bit worried that it might be too revealing because the ribbed fabric is made of silk and therefore a bit on the sheer side, but it covered my bits, for lack of better word, quite nicely. That said, because the dress is indeed made of real silk, it’s quite delicate, and when going in between looks for the shoot, I sadly snagged the bust of this dress by accident with my diamond tennis bracelet (cries). Tough I don’t think the damage is too noticeable. Still, I was sad about the snag, but I didn’t let the small setback stop me from working it. See, it’s all about self-assurance and confidence.
Anyways, back to the portrait, I love how natural and effortless it feels, and the lighting and framing of it all is just spot-on perfect,
I think almost every person desires to have that one photo you can look at and think: yes, this is me. And y’all, I think this one is it for me. I can rest now. This is the photo I’ll show my kids, and if I never have kids, then my cousins’ kids.
You can check out more of Moses Hernandez’s photography here.
xx, vt
// tags: portrait photography, Houston model, senior portraits, professional photographer Houston NYC
