π€¬ SEXUALLY + violently HARASSED on a photoshoot! π±
Hey there, fellow photography enthusiasts! Today, I want to share a rather unsettling experience from one of my recent photoshoots. It's a story I feel compelled to tell, not just as a photographer but as a human being who believes in the power of awareness and education.
π· Behind the Scenes: A Promising Start π·
The day started like any other photoshoot. I was excited to work with my model, Victoria, who exuded confidence and positivity. Our goal was to capture the beauty of curves for a curvier brand. Little did we know that the day would take a disturbing turn.
π¬ Words Turned Ugly π¬
As we were getting into the flow of the shoot, a group of men passing by decided to comment on our work. At first, it seemed like harmless banter, asking us about the parts of Victoria's body she loved most. But things quickly escalated.
The comments turned sexually explicit and violent in nature. The men not only invaded our space but also made derogatory remarks about Victoria. It was a shocking and appalling situation that left us both feeling vulnerable and threatened.
π« Standing Up Against Harassment π«
In that moment, I realized that I couldn't stay silent. I took out my camera and began recording the harassers. It was crucial to document their actions as evidence. Victoria and I firmly demanded that they stop and move away.
While their behavior was disgraceful, we managed to remain calm and collected. We stood our ground, knowing that their words had no power over us. We were determined to finish the shoot on our own terms.
πΈ Capturing Strength and Resilience πΈ
Once the harassers were gone, we resumed our photoshoot. Victoria's strength and resilience were inspiring. We wanted to capture her beauty, her curves, and her confidence – all qualities that should be celebrated, not demeaned.
The resulting photos turned out stunning, and I couldn't be prouder of the work we created that day. Victoria's grace in the face of adversity is a testament to the strength of the human spirit.
ποΈ The Art of Post-Production ποΈ
In the post-production phase, I made some creative choices to enhance the images. I used Lightroom for basic editing and then took the photos to Evoto for final retouching. We decided to embrace the retouching process to ensure that Victoria felt comfortable and confident with the final results.
Additionally, I used Photoshop to extend one of the backgrounds, creating an even more dynamic and influencer-style environmental portrait. It was about making art out of a challenging situation.
πͺ Turning a Negative into a Positive πͺ
While I can't erase the memory of that disturbing encounter, I am proud of how Victoria and I handled it. We didn't let negativity define our day, and we turned adversity into beautiful art.
My hope is that by sharing this experience, we can raise awareness about the importance of standing up against harassment and supporting one another in the creative community. Let's not let the actions of a few overshadow the beauty we can create together.
π Join the Photo Insiders Community π
Before I sign off, I want to share something special with you. If you're passionate about photography and want to take your skills to the next level while connecting with a supportive community, consider joining Photo Insiders.
Photo Insiders is a master educational community where you can learn from my experiences, get your questions answered in live group coaching calls, and access exclusive content to elevate your craft and business.
Thank you for reading, and remember, as photographers, we have the power to capture strength, beauty, and resilience in every frame.
Stay creative and stay strong! πΈβ¨
