It’s one thing to view an image, whether that be a painted representation or a photographically-produced image. It’s another to know the story behind the scenes. In this post series on “Intimate Portraits” we’re going to go behind the scenes of a few of my most favorite, and most liked Instagram portrait images. It’s personal, and as you might know, there is always a story.

The dangling conversation…

This story is about a workshop I was photographing for Elizabeth Opalenik, at Santa Fe Workshops. I had just pulled up to the location where we were going to shoot for the day. The locations had several outbuildings and corrals, barns, etc. As I was getting my photo-gear together I overheard one of the models speaking on her phone. She was apparently not having a good conversation with whoever was on the other end of the line.

I didn’t want to seem like I was intruding and strapped on my camera bag and headed over to the location. Other photographers and models were busy selecting their specific locations when I turned and saw the model I had overheard looking out the window of a nearby cabin. I was not close to the building so I knew she couldn’t see me. From where I was I could see a photographer setting up on the other side of the interior of the cabin.

I quickly switched to a telephoto lens and took a few shots, before she turned away. I had a feeling it was a good, moody shot and after I got home and processed the film (yes, it was film!) and checked the negative I knew I need to see a print. My sense was rewarded when I saw the print.

I was working on a collection of poetry at the time and knew that the image was going to be the cover of my book. The title, “Frame of Mind,” came from the print, as you can see.

Have you had a similar experience? Let me know.