Smile at the birdie!

I can’t believe I’ve been away on holiday as recently as a week ago!  Since then, there’s been meetings and travel (to Invercargill) and training (Crisis Communications workshop and Media Training) and more meetings; media statements and communications plans; interviews and networking.  Last night when I got home I spent time loading photographs on to my Facebook page to remind myself of the wonderful holiday we took through Central Otago, Fiordland and Dunedin last week.  And it seems I have a bit of a thing for mountains.  And water. And keas.

And I’m pretty sure I’m about to be discovered as a famous photographer too, despite only having a limited pixel digital camera.

The skill of the professional photographer was brought home today when I had to have my mug snapped for a client.  I’ve organised these types of photoshoots before and there aren’t that many people who actually like having their photograph taken.  So for a start, the photographer has to be able to coax and cajole their subject into playing to the camera.  If you’ve ever seen those TV model programmes, you’ll know what I mean when I say it makes a huge difference when people actually try to enjoy their 15 seconds of fame and have a bit of fun.  And actually I reckon pretty much anyone looks good if they’re enjoying something!

Despite feeling like I really didn’t have time to psyche myself into it and I was feeling decidedly unglamorous after getting up at 5am to take my partner to the airport, and an intense three hour discussion about organisational communication, what I learned from today’s session was, it takes more than the ability to push a button on a pretty mountain range to get the best out of your subject.

My hat’s off to those professional photographers who make us look our best.  Yes please, photoshop or airbrush as much as you can!