I met Sharon this past September at a conference hosted by Ria Newbold. Honestly, I had no idea about what to expect other than whenever Ria puts on an event, it's going be insightful and needless to say, life-changing.
Sharon was one of the presenters in the Saturday session (it was a 2 day event) but we didn't really hit it off until later that evening out by the pier during a one on one conversation. You see, I was only supposed to capture clips of the event to compile into a short highlight video but because I was impacted so tremendously, I knew there had to be something more that I can offer the presenters. The information was that good! So I extended the offer and if they were interested to have a short photo session right on the hotel's property. It was a win win situation for those who traveled, I mean who doesn't want a photoshoot in the Bahamas??
Although I've had these photos for a few months, yesterday I found myself revisiting them. I edited a few of my favorites from Sharon's session and something she said to me on that day kept resonating in my mind. At first she asked me why is it that I love photography, and after thinking about it I remember getting a little emotional. Because I've only gotten back into photography since the beginning of the year, I always get a little choked up thinking about it because I didn't think my love for it could be rekindled to this extent. It has opened so many doors and created opportunities i could only dream of. Sharon heard me out and although she understood, she challenged me to dig a little deeper. It's good to be passionate about what you do but at the end of the day the story is what's most important - whether it be yours or your client's that you're telling, that is one thing to always keep at the forefront of your mind.
That's where I am on my journey - serving the story through my work. In a world full of picture takers, I desire to be a great photographer because there is a difference. I'm still figuring a lot of things out when it comes to my work and life in general and Sharon, well, you've made it into my story :).
Ray.
Client: Sharon Gutierrez | Photographed By: RayAndra Nairn | The Warwick Hotel | Nassau Bahamas