Some images aren’t created to be masterpieces but they are meant to be more than just memories. Something stronger. Reminders. Like a reminder when we’re downhearted and our spirit feels crushed. When we feel like we might never realize our dreams or when we wonder why our heart would lead us down this road of wanting to be an artist. I haven’t had a day like that yet but I have a feeling it may come so this image is for posterity.
Taken with my iPhone at a photo shoot on Saturday where I assisted LA photographer Barry J. Holmes, this image reminds me how blessed I am on this journey. I’ve met wonderful, talented and generous people–some of whom have become personal friends. Like my friend Marco Ryan who introduced me to Barry who also happens to be incredibly talented and very generous. Barry was in town to photograph musician Elvis Costello. I offered to pick up his lighting gear and drop it off and he kindly invited me to stay for the whole shoot. Talk about a marvelous learning opportunity.
Days like yesterday take me off the charts; I have to pinch myself to see if I’m dreaming. Sure the celebrity thing is kinda neat after all it isn’t every day one gets to participate in a photo shoot sponsored by a major record label for one of their recording stars. But you also don’t wake up every morning and get to work with an award winning photographer. And you most certainly don’t always get an opportunity to spend a day learning from and being mentored by that photographer. I learned something about lighting and setup by arranging, plugging and unplugging different lights and then changing and moving the gear and props around. This hands-on experience with lighting is priceless and it wasn’t at a workshop but at a real live shoot! The stakes are high, much higher because if you mess up, it’s not just your reputation at stake. It’s also the reputation of the person who recommended you and the person who decided to say yes to you helping out. Somehow the energy you bring and the adrenaline that results, pushes you to do better than you might believe and you realize that you can do this.
Throughout the preparations to get ready for the shoot and afterwards when we went for a late lunch, Barry shared how he first started out in the business, where he is now and what’s next for him. I love hearing these stories from other photographers. They are unique to each person and I marvel (and take heart) at how many roads there are to realizing your dreams. Some of the ingredients are the same though–hard work, a bit of luck, someone who gives you a chance, and people who support you along the way.
This image is about this amazing day on my journey. Thank you Marco and Barry! It’s also about being grateful for the opportunities that have come my way and for the friends I’ve made, for their unselfishness, kindness, and confidence in me. And it’s a reminder to me to be these things to others. So if you find yourself singing the sentiments of Elvis Costello’s song (What’s so funny ’bout) Peace, Love and Understanding, know that I will be here cheering you on in the pursuit of your dreams as a photographer and an artist. And if I can help you in any way, please just let me know.
Wow. It sounds like it was a fantastic learning experience Sabrina. Congratulations on the opportunity.
It sure was, Matthew, probably a once in a lifetime opportunity so I’m glad I made an image to remind me of the day!
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by MatthewConnors and Stuart Sipahigil, Ray Ketcham. Ray Ketcham said: Busy weekend for @SabrinaHenry http://tinyurl.com/24ztq6c – wow great way to spend a Sat
[...]
Wow, what a great opportunity for you! I am sure it was a fantastic experience.
I savoured every minute of it, Beate!
Good for you!
A great opportunity Sabrina!! It sounds like a wonderful expereience
It was Maureen…only made better by being able to share it with my friends!
Lovely post. Glad you got some time with Barry. He is a wonderfully generous person and truly gifted photographer
Thanks Marco…couldn’t agree more!
Nice work Sabrina! Have you unstar struck yourself yet?
Nope! I’m thinking it will last a while
So cool Sabrina. Every time I get a chance to assist someone I end up learning a lot. Everyone has a different solution and finding out how they do things is a great way to find our own.
Cool is the right word! Who would have thought that you could use LED lights for portraits? That was an eye-opener for me.
Trey cool. I’d be pinching myself too. Not just for the photo experience, but for the Elvis experience. He’ll always hold a special place in my musical history and I love to see how well he’s still doing.
Sabrina-
Awesome opportunity. I’ve had similar experiences in the past with cooking, motocross and music, and, I’m still waiting for my opportunity with photography. When I’ve had these experiences in the past and tell people about it they inevitably say that I’m so lucky. Lucky, yes, but I also think that opportunities like these have a way of presenting themselves to those who work hard and spend a lot of time and energy dedicating themselves to something such as photography. You are clearly one of these people =)
You are connected to all the ‘fixers’! What an awesome day this had to be for you!