When I posted to Facebook that I was traveling to my hometown of Kansas City (Missouri!) and was doing a few sessions while I was there… Ryan was the first to email me.  WHAAAAAAT??!?!? RYAN TOWE WANTS MEEEE TO SHOOT HEADSHOTS FOR HIMMMM??!?! You see, Ryan is an insaaanely talented senior photographer based in Des Moines, Iowa.

I write him back, “Ummmm… Ryan, you knowwww I’m not the best at photographing people alone! I’m just not sure if I’m the right person for the job!” (Ryan has been to my photography workshop twice and I tell all of my attendees that it’s not something that I consider a specialty… which is why I don’t photograph seniors very often.)

Ryan responds, “I know you’ve said that… but I know your work, and I know I want to have a genuine smile in my photos and I want my personality to show… and I know you’re the one to make that happen.” (I’m paraphrasing)

“Ohhhh Ryan… I just don’t know! Let me think about this and get back with you.” Internet friends, I was incredibly nervous! RYAN TOWE who SPECIALIZES in photographing people alone wants ME to photograph HIM?!

“Bobbi, I get it… but I really want you to do it.”

::Heart beating fast, takes three deep breaths:: “Okay Ryan, let’s do it. I’m a bit anxious but ridiculously honored and humbled by this whole conversation…. soooo… let’s make it happen!”

He says to me that in his current headshot he had a “smirk” and that he didn’t feel it was a good representation of his personality.

I’d say his new headshots are full of genuine smiles and personality. MISSION: ACCOMPLISHED!

There was a sign that read “ART” on the side of a building. Hmmm… His name is Ryan Towe… crop out that A and we have his initials! Genius…. PUUUUURE genius!

Ryan, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for trusting me and pushing me out of my comfort zone. You made this tooooo easy for me. 🙂 Before you know it, I’ll be starting up my own senior photography biz! 😉

Much love friend,

~Bobbi

BEHIND THE SCENES

My grandma saw me that afternoon and said, “I can patch those jeans up for you…”