We’ll start with a conversation—whether over coffee, on a call, or wherever you feel most at ease. This is your chance to share your story, your aspirations for the photoshoot, and talk about my process. It’s a time for us to connect and lay the foundation for the creative process ahead.

The one question I want to explore: “When you envision yourself fully in your element, where you feel completely authentic, what do you see?” And it’s important to see yourself doing something.

This is where we start, and from there, we expand and build, exploring ideas that align with your vision and bring your story to life. The purpose of this initial conversation is to encourage you to reflect intentionally on what you want your photographs to convey. This isn’t about superficial details; it’s about exploring the deeper story you want your images to tell. By focusing on the small but meaningful elements—the environments, objects, and feelings that make you feel most like yourself—we’ll create a thoughtful foundation to build upon.

This conversation also allows us to script out the first scene, ensuring we begin in a way that feels natural and comfortable for both of us. Starting with this sense of clarity helps ease any nerves, making it easier to step into a flow where creativity can unfold organically.

I’ve spent significant time understanding how my brain works. How it processes information, the space it needs to find clarity and connection, and the conditions where I naturally achieve flow. This self-awareness, paired with reflecting on past photoshoots, has helped me design a process that allows me to operate at my best.

Interestingly, I’ve discovered that this approach benefits not only me behind the camera but also those in front of it. It creates an environment where both of us can feel at ease, focused, and fully present.

When it comes to time, I find that having a couple of hours available is key. This ensures we have the freedom to connect, explore, and refine without feeling rushed.

1. Connection and Intentions:

To start, we just ease into things and connect through conversation. We’ll talk about any new ideas or insights you’ve had since our initial meeting, exploring the meaningful elements and understanding their significance to your story. As we talk, I’ll observe the environment as a whole, taking in the light and how the elements interact.

2. Behind the Scenes:

Whatever that something was you imagined yourself doing, this is when you’re going to it. With you immersed in your world, it allows me the space to fully enter mine. To take it all in and get a sense of you, without the need to give direction. While this is more for me, it also serves you. It means we can bypass any early awkwardness with posing and expressions. We flow more naturally into it.

It’s also the time I get to grab some photos of the elements that add to your story, along with the little gestures, and whatever else might resonate. I’m free to explore.

3. Portraits and Headshots

With a little connection and flow, this is where we begin to shift and get more intentional with the photographs. We’ll move elements, play with expressions, emotions, and energies, and create some cool portraits. We’ll also get some headshots if that’s what you’re looking for.

And, of course, this is where we find our rhythm, finding the right amount of direction, and getting to know how we respond to each other.

4. Spontaneity and Play

Now it’s time. We’ve found our flow and it’s time to explore. To make use of that perfect spot of light. This is your chance to “try on different hats” and play with ideas. To create photographs.

Intentional Authenticity combines two powerful elements: being true to oneself (authenticity) and making deliberate choices to elevate that truth to its highest potential (intentionality).

It’s the practice of identifying what feels genuinely “you” and then consciously refining and enhancing it through purposeful decisions. It’s different from mere authenticity because it adds the layer of conscious cultivation – it’s not just about being yourself, but about being your best self through deliberate choice. It’s also distinct from pure intentionality because every choice is anchored in what feels genuinely true to who you are.

This approach is at the heart of my own creative process and informs how I work behind the camera. I believe it can also enhance your experience in front of the camera, leading to photographs that feel both authentic and true to you.

At its Core, Intentional Authenticity Involves:

1. Recognition: Identifying the activities, environments, or processes where you feel most naturally yourself – your authentic element.
2. Reflection: Examining the specific elements that make these experiences feel authentic and why they resonate with your true self.
3. Refinement: Making deliberate choices to enhance these authentic experiences, carefully selecting each component to amplify their impact.
4. Purpose: Understanding that these intentional choices serve a greater purpose – they’re meaningful decisions that honor and elevate your authentic self.

Through my journey of understanding how I experience the world and creating systems to navigate my life and work, I’ve gathered a collection of tools that I believe are essential for anyone finding their way in life. These tools aren’t mine—I’ve simply done the work to collect and organize them—and I want to share them with anyone embarking on their own journey. They hold deep meaning for me, and I hope they inspire and support you in your path forward.