Change When Things Change

Hi,

I'm working hard at not working hard at change. Argh! Yup, that would be true.

Much of what I see in my life is valid data, however, my judgment on it is difficult to deal with.

I had a man from the ManKind Project steal a lens from me. Granted it was a piece of crap Sigma, it was still mine. I did not give it to him, and was perfectly clear he could use it, just to try it out. Anyone w/a camera knows their lens collection is valuable and sacred. I offered as a sign of good faith and trust.

After I loaned the lens and micro drive, I figured some things out about him. He had his children taken from him under the suspicion of child abuse. I didn't want to have anything to do with him and therefore told him. I also asked for my lens and memory drive back. He became abusive, (which I saved on my phone) texting me and calling saying things like "I guess you're not going to give me what I need" and laughing at the idea that I showed trust by loaning him my gear.

He did not return my equipment, and text me that he left it at my house and "don't ever contact me again."

I'm glad I got off with only that much loss. His boys did not get off so easily.

I did ask in the MKP community about him, and since he was a council member and no one had anything bad to say, I let my guard down. What I later discovered was no one had first hand knowledge of him either and he left the council and community without any notice at all.

I take responsibility for it, and consider it a lesson learned with very little damage. It is a wise Universe, I just don't always understand her language.

An Insecure Photographer

Many things have been happening. More and more people are sharing my art with others. Fan-freaking-tastic! My latest images from my studio were posted on TamiGramont.com and received very distinct support from other photographers.

Have you ever caught a glimpse of yourself in the mirror and thought, 'I don't look half bad there.' Well, what if you could catch those moments and think, 'I look pretty good there.' ? Or better yet, enjoyed your image without hubris? Just enjoyed it.

How to Choose a Photographer

I understand it is truly important that the person sitting feels comfortable, relaxed, and we have the luxury of time. The person sitting often times judges themselves much harder than the photographer. I don't judge what I see, I see shapes, lighting, colors, emotions and watch for hidden things to be revealed. I wait for the magic.

I can find beauty in all people and things, I'm not just lucky that way, I practice every day. So sitting for me is being admired and enjoyed. I see authentic aspects to the person they might not see. I open the door for a sexy woman to step forward from a "girl next door" personality that turned out to be one of my most edgy portraits. She saw a different side of herself.

We all have stories about or insecurities and resistances. We also all have inner beauty, power and energy. I wait for the person to let go of their "stories" and just be.

Here's a secret. I can see those things all the time, I just watch for the emotion to flush the skin and then "click". I hope I've revealed what I understood.