trying something new
I recently decided to let women split an appointment at the Gentry Studio as a way to "sample" what I do during my private sessions. Over the last few weeks, I've tried this service out with my clients and friends, getting together on Thursdays nights in Downtown Bloomington. "If you're ready to step in front of the camera but need just a little encouragement, then sign up for a Date Night!" That's what I planned to say...what I wanted to say. And I can say that because it's true; I set it up so women could come together for a few hours on a weeknight and take turns being photographed, changing outfits, and holding the box fan for each other, and the no pressure vibes have really helped women be more confident in front of the camera. But as it turns out, it quickly became so much more than that.
what happened was...
Most of these women didn't know each other before they came out to be photographed, and it didn't take long before it started feeling like a slumber party. We hyped each other up and shared stories; we helped each other sort through outfits and chimed in on which lip color to use. Someone gets to be the designated DJ, and since the businesses around us are closed, we can take our time singing our favorite songs and dancing. There's just something about being in the studio after dark that gives us an extra sense of permission to wear what makes us feel good and be our authentic selves around other amazing women. The pictures really become secondary to the connections we've started making, and look at how amazing the pictures have turned out.
I became absolutely obsessed with providing this as a service to the women who follow my photography.
the ultimate date yourself night.
For the month of December, I am going to host Date Nights on Thursday nights at the Gentry Studio in Downtown Bloomington. Join me and other women for a no rush, no pressure photography experience that's heavy on the slumber party vibes. We wear many hats as women, but you'll only need your first name while you're here. This is not a business networking event. This is not a sales pitch. This is not an actual dating service. This is an side step if you're feeling a little mundane or if you want a detour in your work week. This feels like checking your camera roll the morning after a great night and having an awesome new profile picture to show for it. It doesn't matter what you wear, it works on our Date Night sets. Lace and lingerie...jeans and a t-shirt...a dress or a pair of ridiculous shoes you never get to show off....or maybe you can pull off a bizarre makeup look that kills but maybe isn't something you want to wear out for dinner. A Date Night session is the perfect opportunity to do all of these things.
You might be able to come up with a thousand excuses to not attend an event like this. Chuck them over the nearest bridge. There is no pressure here. For many women, it takes a lot of courage to show up for yourself. Doors to the studio open at 5pm, which is when I get there and start setting up; by 6pm I'll be ready to start warming up with light tests, and by 7pm we are rocking and rolling. Date Night guests are welcome to come in anytime after 5pm, with plenty of room to set up for hair and make up, and a large private bathroom to change clothes. There's no pressure to get ready at home, instead you can walk in, drop your things, and take your time to switch gears. Enjoy the time to reset, and then the real fun begins when we're ready to step in front of the camera for real. If you're still a little nervous, let the other women there hype you up. We've unofficially started a "Fan Girl" club, tag-teaming who holds the box fan on your hair while I take pictures. We are there for each other, but no matter where your comfort level is, you have a place at Date Nights as long as you are ready to show up for yourself.
I'm ready. Are you?
