I'm so glad you're here...

You're receiving this because you indicated you'd like to take part of the Don't Smile Stories - Messy Heart Journals.  This is simply where you and I step aside  for a few moments during the session and just take a few portraits that showcase other emotions besides happy. The idea is that No Smile is required, or should even be allowed.  We're seeking the other emotions that we all feel on a the day of the session, or most profoundly in our lives at the time.  This is a chance to give yourself a moment to not have to conform in any way.  Really speak to the emotional depth you have, and how that translates to photographs.  We are documenting real life, we are capturing moments of reality. 

If you've changed your  mind at any time, no worries.  Just let me know

• Participation is completely optional, and there isn't an extra charge. 
• Please fill out the following interview type questions. These answers will be the driving force, the inspiration, behind your portraits on the day of the session. The goal is to be open and honest and answer with complete transparency.

Please don't feel the need to answer all these questions.  But the more you answer, the stronger your story will be.

When you receive your gallery, just for participating, you'll have the opportunity to choose 5 of your favorite images to keep with the option to purchase more.  

If you grant me permissions to use the images and your answers in my public work I will happily include all of your portraits in your session gallery.

Some ways I will use the images: with permissions granted, I will write a blog post telling your story along side your images.  I will also adding your images to the website gallery as part of the project, I will use the images on social media, and in all ways marketing.

If you love your set of images and would like a tangible item to hold on to them, I can make an album to include your images, and your answers, to complete the story of you right now. You can think of this as a professional journal.  Some of your thoughts, some of your photos kept in a keepsake to last.  It is no mystery that stories of people can be lost in a moment, between loss of memory, loss of possessions, loss of life - to having something like an album for your children and grandchildren to hold on to can allow them to get to know you just a little bit more.  Canvas, Framed Prints, and Printed Images will also be available for purchase.

Please indicate how you are interested in receiving your images.  This is not an obligation or intent to purchase, but more so an interest to learn more when your gallery is delivered.  This will just make sure I give you the information you'd like to know.

These portraits should take no more than 10 minutes.  We will find a space with a clean background and do portrait style images, up close and personal and far away.  I will not be heavily posing these portraits, I want you to be you.  But I will prompt you to evoke emotions other than smiling.  You are more than welcome to stare right at the camera, or never look at it.  You are invited to tell me about your ideas, emotions, feelings, etc about this project, about your answers here, etc.  Whatever is on your mind or your heart - when you really think about it.  We can also just sit in silence while you reflect.  And of course you can tell me what you prefer.  If there ever was a time to creatively put your words, thoughts, feelings into a visual effect - this is it.  You are the boss in the end but you can stay as still, quiet, retrospective as you'd like or take up as much space and movement as you need.  Whatever feels honest to you.  

I'm so excited for this project to start blossoming and I cannot wait to see your contribution. Thank you again for being here.