Hanging Around With Jordan
For this week, a change of pace. A golf buddy, who also works out at Lifetime Fitness, asked me if I would be willing to do a photo shoot of his daughter, Jordan. Of course, I was happy to do so. Jordan is ten years old and a dancer. She also aspires to do some modeling — and these photos were intended to be the basis of her portfolio to present to the modeling agencies.
She has a delightful personality and breaks into laughter often — even when her photographer is trying to capture the "real Jordan". Her dad says, that is the real Jordan — so I guess I captured her.
After a few shots inside, a change of clothing and a change of hair style, we moved outside. She has a relaxed manner that is easy to work with. I wonder if that comes from her dancing — perhaps performing in front of others allows her to relax in front of the camera.
One of the points that John Weiss (instructor for my "Photographing People" class) emphasized was to capture the real person — not just get a pretty picture. So I kept trying and finally got a nice serious shot.
And then a thoughtful, perhaps reflective pose.
Only to have that Jordan smile break out again. So when the subject gives you material, you work with it — don't fight it.
Ah, the enthusiasm of youth. That time in your life when you just tilt your head back and feel the warm of the sun. No worries — all the good things in life are ahead of you.
Yet this age is a time when one moves back and forth between youth and maturity. One moment, swinging around a tree...
the next posing to show your outfit.
But of all the shots I took that day, I think this is my favorite. The young daughter of Joel and Gina is growing up — and with her talents, personality and intelligence, she is preparing to take on the world. Best of luck Jordan!