I am incredibly thankful for each portrait session that I get to photograph, especially this latest one. As a photographer I love giving people both types of images, the ones where they are natural and relaxed. Equally, I love being able to capture that inner peaceful calm and strength that people don't realize is in them. One of my friends wanted to support me on my new launch of Portrait Story Images, so he contacted me for some portraits to promote some of his freelance development work. And like many men, they haven't ever had a professional portrait taken.  Working through guys initial feeling of awkwardness is normal, especially so for a self proclaimed introvert. 

When we discussed about what type of portraits he was looking for, it was an assortment of causal, professional, and relaxed. But one of my key images I wanted to capture for him is the strong pose. Amazingly even though he kept saying how this is out of his element, every gaze he gave me was perfectly relaxed and fixed on the camera.  There was very little coaxing to achieve that strong look.  

Unfortunately, this was session taken on Father's Day weekend, so he wasn't able to spend it with his dad.  And even though he initially did not have a reason for purchasing prints, he did selected the image below to give to his dad when he will surprise him later this month as a belated Father's day gift. The framed portrait looked really handsome in the frame. 

However, the one I was hoping he would have chose is the one where he is laughing. As a friend, this really reflects who he is. This is the type of portrait that I believe any dad would cherish.  I can't wait to hear back to see how his dad enjoyed his gift. What I love about portrait photography is when I get to show my clients sides of themselves that they don't get to see get noticed or appreciated such as the the strong pose or one's unique laughter. And even more so, is when the portraits reveal to them their own strength that was always within them.