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Jackie took some pictures of me for my LOLA (Ladies of Liberty Alliance) calendar page last year and I told her then, if she ever wanted me to take some shots of her, I was all hers. So this week she finally took me up on my offer and we headed out to downtown Austin’s Four Seasons hotel. The day was absolutely beautiful, as was Jackie. It was so much fun working with her because one of her true strengths is her creativity and spirit of play. She kicks butt at posing people and so when it’s her turn in front of the camera, she knows exactly how to pose herself.

What was really funny (and endearing) was to see her share all the same anxieties and insecurities every client has about how they look on camera. Even when we were planning her shoot, it was almost like she was “warning” me that she just doesn’t take good pictures! I told her to just chillax, try to have fun, and let me be the one to worry about making her look good.

As I was doing her shoot, and hearing her tell me how her lips didn’t look right, or her face was weird, or whatever, I was honestly sort of heartbroken. But not because she was being critical of me… but because she was being critical of herself! I see Jackie as downright gorgeous. Beautiful eyes, great face, fantastic hair, and a supermodel body. I was heartbroken because I wished so badly she saw herself the way I saw her.

When I delivered the pictures to her, she laughed and said how she actually did like them. I could hear the slight surprise in her voice when she told me “Wow! You did a really good job!” I identified something right then and there that makes me love photography: I want to make everyone, and I mean everyone, SEE their true beauty. I take great pride and pleasure in having my camera capture a person’s true essence. Sure, we’re not all “models” but to me, we are all beautiful. And that’s my job. To show you that.

Love you tons, miss JJ Photography!!

Rita Quinn

For more information about Jackie Jackson’s photography work, you can visit www.jjphotographyaustin.com

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Since the first time I met Erin about a year ago, I had always secretly thought how cool it would be to photograph her. She has the most beautiful blue eyes and an incredibly unique look that is just stunning. Then out of the blue a few weeks ago, I get this text message from her saying how she was thinking about getting into modeling and wanted, you guessed it, little ol’ me to help her get some shots for her portfolio! I instantly said “of course” and, after waiting for the cold weather to take a break here in Austin, we finally were able to get together today to play!

Yes, you read that right, we did the shoot today and I’m already bloggin’ about it. That should tell you just how excited I was to review the images. And reviewing turned to editing which turned to “OMG! I have to share some of these with the world RIGHT NOW.”

Can I just say how fantastic Erin was to work with? Being the “aspiring” fashion photographer I am, I keep a nerdy notebook filled with my collection of ripped out pages from magazines to inspire me. Well, Erin and I reviewed them and the next thing you know, she was bustin’ out the poses like nobody’s business. I was so impressed! We pretty much just trekked around the UT (University of Texas) area, roaming the gritty back alleyways and hallways of the campus itself allowing ourselves to just get inspired by all the different backgrounds.

Anyway, below are some of the photographs from the shoot that I love. I want to wish Erin all the best of luck in her new modeling career. You’re beautiful, Erin, especially inside where it really counts. :)

xoxo
Rita

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Ron knew I was a photographer and needed some new headshots so we met in downtown Austin and wondered the back alleyways to find the right light and the urban feel he wanted. He gave me all his “looks” like the tough bad guy and the cool mystery guy. My favorites, of course, are the ones I was able to snap when he wasn’t posing that captured his kind energy and silliness. You see it? That little hint of his playful spirit that his eyes give away? I do and I love it!

Ron is a genuinely nice guy who is a pleasure to work with on our project and I’m so happy he asked me to be his photographer. I wish him all the best in his career!

xoxo
Rita

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I first met him during an audition my husband, Val, was holding. He had many great actors try out for the part but Tim just nailed the role and Val was thrilled to have him become part of his little filmmaking family. He is great to work with and has some cool talents that fit right into what Val needed, like stage combat training, a great british accent, and true passion for his art.

So when Tim needed some new headshots, I was very happy to be his photographer. Like everyone these days, he had a tight budget, so we just scheduled a quick 30 minute mini-session. We met in downtown Austin and cranked out as many shots as we could in the short time we had together. Being somewhat new to doing “formal” headshot photography, I have to say I’m pretty happy with the way they turned out. And I think he is too. :)

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When Dr. Lowry’s campaign manager called to ask me to take new portraits for his campaign, I honestly expected your average run-of-the-mill headshot session with a few posed family shots. What I got was a ranch with horses, kids on ATV’s, cammo, and guns. Yeah, just your average. everyday. photoshoot.

When I arrived (in a little town called Timbucktoo), I was greeted by streaks of red haired teenagers racing by on their ATV and three horses who were just hanging around by the front of the house. I had a moment of panic when I realized… they weren’t in any pens or behind any gates (the horses, not the kids). Being a city girl all my life, this sort of terrified me. But I pretended like I was cool with the whole thing, all the while secretly wondering if horses could smell fear.

After the hearty handshakes and introductions, I noticed that everyone except mom was in cammo. Yep, this was how they wanted their pictures taken, in cammo. “Cool” I say while grinning as I start getting my gear out to begin. I could already sense the fun-loving and down to earth attitude this family had and I loved it.

So between having to push horses around who didn’t fully get the concept of staying still for their portrait, and asking his daughters sitting on the horses to please hold their guns up higher, it was an experience I truly will never forget. And the best part, we were all laughing the entire time!

After we wrapped the family shoot, we headed back to the city to take some pictures of Dr. Lowry in one of his Alamo Healthcare Clinic offices. I have to say, this man just surrounds himself with the most positive and upbeat people. Everyone in his office was friendly, helpful, and just fun. (Check out the last shot in this post and you’ll see what I mean.) I believe this says a lot about him and his character. For me, the hardest thing about this shoot was trying to get that serious “I’m a professional” look from the good Doc because he smiles and jokes so much!

I had a great time photographing everyone and wish Dr. Lowry much success in his campaign. Thanks for letting me have a peek into the amazing life you’ve created.

XOXO!

Rita Q

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So, when Stacie agreed to join the cast and work with the show’s lead parkour actor to train, we were both thrilled. And Val was even more excited to learn that she also knew some martial arts and planned some fun butt-kickin’ scenes for her.

Stacie and I had talked for months about getting some headshots taken for her and finally were able to work it out. So one day, I headed over to her South Austin apartment where we met and drove together to a local park to catch the late afternoon light. While setting up, I learned that she had actually done some modeling, which explained why she seemed to feel so comfortable in front of the camera (probably more comfortable than I did behind it, actually).

All in all, I had a great time working with her, both for this shoot and on Val’s film project. She’s always up for a challenge, is extremely professional, and always gives everything she’s got. I really want to thank Stacie for coming out and playing in the park with me. I had a great time and wish her tons of success in her career!

XOXO!
Rita Q

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So we met on a Sunday morning at Concordia University in the Lake Travis area and used different walls as backdrops and just played for an hour. He laughed, he looked tough, he smiled. I have no idea if that’s what a “headshot” session is supposed to be about, but in the end, he said he loved them and has since become an actor in one my husband’s short film projects. It was nice to stretch my wings and help a fellow lover of the arts get his career started. And he helped me find the courage to keep posting ads out on craigslist. Thanks Brent! {grin}

xoxo
Rita Q

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