Many of us hate to be in front of a camera. Even as a photographer, I too feel hesitant at times to be photographed. However, if a photo session becomes a fun activity, perhaps a journey of self-discovery, we not only feel at ease, but we also leave the studio with an inner satisfaction.

   When I talk about glamour makeovers, some people tend to think of Hollywood, the wonderful sexy looking pro models etc. That is not what I have in mind. At least not in my studio. Almost all my subjects (many of them my clients) have never really posed in front of a camera before, let alone in the nude. Most are your typical person, from various walks of life.

   Everyone is understandably nervous at first. To overcome this natural hesitancy, I meet them over a cup of coffee. While showing my portfolio, and listening to their comments on various photos, I am able to determine their personal comfort zone. When my clients arrive for the actual shoot in my studio, we have already established a mutual familiar friendly ground to step in.

   During the make-up session we talk about life, share a laugh or two while I get busy creating the first brush strokes on my canvas. The shoot itself takes place is in a very relaxed atmosphere. Soft music plays in the background, while I walk around my subject, conversing, and discovering their best angles to capture their images on film.

   I have photographed men and women of all ages and physiques. While many live in the region, many others have travelled from across Canada, the United States, and from Europe. After all, Montreal is a fun and wonderful city to visit.

   Sometimes an exchange of thoughts happens between the client and the photographer. Several people have commented that the experience felt almost therapeutic. Being the center of attention, literally "in the spot light," can be a much needed ego boost at times. Photography can be an exciting way of conveying an intimate message. Many have found new communication channels opened up when they shared their photo album with their partner. Some have given their photo album as a gift to their partner, while many others have bought gift certificates for their friends and family.

   I have found that through my extensive travels to various countries, being blessed with the opportunity to meet several cultures and interact in business & private with them over the past brought me an inner wealth beyond believe.  At these places where I have entered people's lives otherwise I would have never been allowed to enter. Today, I use that knowledge of getting to know different people without judging them allows me to get to the core of my subjects in front of my camera. Even when people are totally nude in front of me they feel at ease. I can see right through the beauty hidden in them.

    My ultimate goal during any photo session is to bring out the best in each individual and leave an imprint of it for years to come. I feel fortunate as a photographer to be able to tap into the inner self of all my clients though my images, show them how beautiful they are and create something beyond a simple image.

Hera S. Bell (November 2000)