Ciarra is about as stunning as they come. To look at her, you'd ever guess she was only 13 years old. So poised, so mature, and with legs that go on forever. Ciarra is also a model, in case that wasn't obvious. She has aspirations for runway work and there's no doubt in my mind she will be a big name in the industry one day. She's got what it takes!
I need to digress for a moment with a little side note about the location and some challenges we encountered. I knew exactly where I wanted to do this shoot. Stanford. I've always wanted to shoot there. In particular the Stanford Museum. Their website had a photography guideline page that clearly stated all non commercial, personal photography was allowed on the grounds, and even inside the museum. The only caveat was that flash was not allowed inside. (Perfectly reasonable) I even double checked to see what their definition of commercial was and learned that this meant a third party company who hired a professional photographer and also using a model for hire. Well, I wasn't going to be paying Ciarra for these images and I don't work for Anthropologie or Boden (yet....) so I figured we'd be set!
I even lined up my dear friend Kristin who is also a photographer and family friends with Ciarra and her mom to help me out that day (hold my reflectors, flash) etc so that I wouldn't be dragging a bunch of equipment and light stands around, ergo avoiding being any kind of nuisance whatsoever.
We get there and start out in the outside gardens near the sculptures and within a couple minutes security comes by to tell us that the museum director says we have to leave because we are using professional equipment. Hmmmmmm. I don't get into it with the security gal because, after all, she is just the messenger. Besides, by then I had spotted a sweet little field across the street and wanted to go shoot in there and do some fun OCF (off camera flash) work so we politely left and go in the field. All this time though I am observing dozens of people using their own personal cameras to take pictures all over the gardens and front steps of the museum. Using cameras as "big" and "professional" as mine.
So, after confirming with Ciarra's mom that she is ok with the idea of testing the boundaries here (after all, their website clearly stated that personal photography of all kinds was TOTALLY ok), we head to the front steps of the museum to take a few more shots at the stairs and in front of a doorway I had spied that I loved. I decide to not use ANY other supplemental equipment for these shots. No flash, no reflector. JUST my camera. Just like everyone else. After all, just because I am a professional photographer should not mean that I can't take pictures there. What if I am there taking pictures with my "fancy" camera while visiting with my own kids? Because I'm a pro, I can't take pictures and everyone else can? It just didn't make sense and it was contrary to what their website said. Within minutes, security is back out. So, this time I ask to speak to the director. He comes out and we get into a little discussion about the museum's definition of "professional." It becomes very apparent that their "rules" are completely at the discretion of director based on his personal interpretation of what commercial means and that there are no set standards or protocol. As he is telling me I can't use my "fancy" camera, a swarm of tourists walk by using their "fancy cameras" and he doesn't tell them they can't shoot. I make it clear that I am willing to challenge this inconsistency and he finally backs down and tells me I can continue taking pictures of Ciarra on the front steps and doorway. He does tell us that Ciarra cannot so much as touch the statues in the garden while we are photographing there. That's fine. But, interestingly enough, a bunch of school kids passing through are allowed to climb all over the statues without anyone saying anything.... again, hmmmmmmmm. Anyways, clearly the place is not friendly towards real photographers! I'm grateful Ciarra's mom was totally backing me up and supporting me in my fight to be able to have the same access to the outdoor public areas as everyone else!
We quickly get all the amazing shots I wanted, and then head over to Stanford University for a few more. Turns out Stanford apparently has new stringent rules against photography as well! Fortunately, not a single security person came by as we grabbed our last set of shots. PHEW!
I give you the whole scoop here on the security issues we encountered to draw attention to a phenomenon that seems to be plaguing the entire photographic industry. And with the line so blurred these days between a professional photographer and a person with a $3,000 camera who is a serious hobbyist, I think it's really challenging to define that fine line between who can shoot and who can not based on the standard of the "fanciness" of the camera. I really think the rules need to be spelled out far more clearly. And until they are, and until there is clear cut consistency in that regard, I am going to continue to challenge these facilities that claim to be "open to photography" on their websites but then exhibit a clear bias against anyone actually wanting to take GOOD pictures! :)
Ok, rant over.
Back to Ciarra! I LOVED our session! Ciarra was a delight to photograph! I think teen shoots are hands down my favorite because I can really get creative and control the light exactly how I want it and position them exactly how I envision it. I love posing and Ciarra followed my direction beautifully. I don't just tell my models how I want them to pose, I actually SHOW them what I am envisioning. It's so much fun and I just have a blast working with teens.
Now, let's see some pictures shall we!? Here are just a FEW of my favorites! Thank you Ciarra, Sunny and Kristin for a lovely afternoon!!!
