When a Photoshoot Paves the Way for Human Connection
I didn’t expect to leave Jim Darling’s studio with a refined perspective on human connection. The plan was simple: two creatives spending three hours experimenting with lighting, color, and style.
You wouldn’t know it from the range of photos we shot, but the truth is, I was having a rough morning before the session. Personal and professional challenges hijacked my brain at the same time, and I broke down crying.
Because I’m me, my first thought was, “You’re just having another solopreneur moment. This will pass.”
My second thought was, “Great. I have completely ruined my face for this photoshoot.”
An hour later, something shifted.
When I entered the space, Jim told me not to worry about perfection. I felt safe to simply be.
Throughout the shoot, we talked about similar experiences we’ve had as creatives who dare to pave our own way. I felt understood.
For the photos above, Jim asked me to channel neutrality with a bit of edge—maybe even sadness. To access that feeling, I thought about moments of disappointment where I kept showing up anyway.
“Yes! That’s it. Hold there.”
Wait—my vulnerability was right for the shot? I felt validated and accepted.
Mind you, I hadn't told Jim about my rough morning yet.
So where am I going with this?
Meaningful human connection is rooted in feeling safe enough to show up as your whole self, being accepted for who you are, and being understood through empathy. We can create this anywhere—at work, at home, even in a photo studio.
Our circumstances may look different, but our core needs are the same. Life is a lot for everyone right now. Let’s do what we can to create spaces where people feel safe to be human.
