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| Photo credit: Me by me. Background: Dynamic Wang, Unsplash |
A funny thing happened...
I don't usually share personal stories because they're not generally very professionally on brand for me. I am not always the same person IRL as the perfect and awesome photographer I want seared into your minds. Nevertheless, I see a way to tie this short story into a relatable moment for photo subjects, so here goes...
Some who know me know that at various points during my career I have ventured onto the other side of the camera and acted in commercials. I also, many years ago, tried improv classes at Second City but sucked at it so I quit. I even managed at one time to get a small part in a docudrama, which was one of the most stage-fright-inducing experiences of my life. So, between the horror of that and the impossibility of balancing two freelance careers I quit acting and got back to focusing on my real job as a photographer.
Then the pandemic happened. After way too much time away from people, and with my mood faltering — I'm sure many can relate — I decided to try comedy again. Back to Second City I went. First, I did a virtual comedy writing course. Then when it was safe I signed up to try improv again. This time, it turned out to be one of the most fun experiences I have ever had. Level 1 was just a relentless blast. It was still fun, but things got more challenging in Level 2, even more so in level 3 and even more so in level 4. And here I hit a wall, because at the end of Level 4 you go on stage, briefly, in front of people who have, some of them, actually paid money to be there...not a lot of money, but money.
Initially I told my instructor I would not be participating in the end of term show. But what kind of person abandons their classmates like that? I knew I would never forgive myself for chickening out. As you can guess, I did not die. But neither did I enjoy. So no Level 5 for me, Level 5 being all about creating a show, and performing it, in front of people.
I moved on from Second City and started taking classes at another comedy club where I figured I'd be safe from the stage, at least for a while. (Although last week my current teacher let slip that he had a special surprise for us...never mind...I'm not available that night anyway! Thank goodness!)
Anyway, one day I got a promotional e-mail advertising discounted tickets for a new Second City show that sounded great. So I went. The usher walks me down to the front row, right in front of the stage. My general rule at improv shows is "do not sit at the front," or "do not sit anywhere the performers can see or talk to you." But I let my guard down. I figured "what could happen?". I know you know where this is going.
Of course, to my total horror, at the beginning of one skit, a tall performer guy walks up to the edge of the stage, points down at me and says...I don't actually recall what he said because my brain was imploding, but it would have been something like... "You! Come on up and join us." A spotlight shone down on me. I would have looked quite a lot like my photo here, absolutely mortified, saying "oh, no, no, no..." desperately wanting him to move on and choose someone else. He was not receptive.
Next thing I know I am walking up the little staircase to the stage, overwhelmed with the irony that the last time I'd been at this establishment I had known in my relieved heart that it would be the last time I'd ever have to set foot on a stage here. How did this happen?! And it turns out it's not just a quick moment, it's a whole bit. I was clicking my heels, but going nowhere (I didn't have Dorothy's shoes). I was stuck there, trying not to die, just trying to get through it. Once again, I know you know that I did not die.
Why am I sharing this story? I'm sharing it so that all those people who dread having their photos taken will know that I really mean it when I say I understand how they feel, on some level. I understand not feeling confident about how you come across, not feeling comfortable out of your element, with lights and a lens pointing straight at you.
One big difference is that I, as your photographer, am not some idiot performer that won't listen to you no matter what you say. :) I do care how you feel. And unlike that guy I am not going to let you show up petrified, or any other way than in your power.
So if there's a take-way, other than don't sit in the front row at an improv show unless you are OK with potentially being in it...good for you if that thought doesn't bother you at all!...it's that being photographed by a photographer that cares is much safer than some other circumstances in which you may find yourself. Yes, there are some less caring and patient photographers. I actually experienced one yelling at me "I hate you!" a million years ago when a friend convinced me to try modeling and I couldn't relax...that went nowhere. See, I really do get it. But, back to improv for a sec. There are so many great things about improv (ask my friend and client author of "The Yes, And" Business Evolution Improv Skills for Leadership and Life - Tracy Shea-Porter), its main and most noteworthy tenet being "yes, and", which is a good note to wrap up on here. "Yes, and" getting professional branding photos. Feel the fear and do it anyway (thank-you always to the late Dr. Susan Jeffers) and trust you'll be safe in the caring space created by sensitive pro's like me.
(Originally published on LinkedIn April 30, 2025.)
#businessportraits, #corporatephotographer, #personalbranding
kathryn@hollinrake.com
hollinrake.com
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