{"id":72033,"date":"2017-12-04T08:04:18","date_gmt":"2017-12-04T16:04:18","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/?p=72033"},"modified":"2017-12-04T08:04:18","modified_gmt":"2017-12-04T16:04:18","slug":"on-photographing-your-life-partner","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2017\/12\/04\/on-photographing-your-life-partner\/","title":{"rendered":"On Photographing Your Life Partner"},"content":{"rendered":"

My friend JOSH WHITE started a project photographing women<\/a> \u00e2\u20ac\u201d and it gave me the opportunity to question why I photograph Cindy.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

I started CINDYPROJECT<\/a> to document my life journey with Cindy, and also for me to better appreciate Cindy.<\/p>\n

\"Cindy
Cindy with red scarf. Prague, 2017 #cindyproject<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It is easy for me to take Cindy for granted. We still argue, get into scuffles. I often argue over petty shit.<\/p>\n

\"Cindy
Cindy and hand. Prague, 2017 #cindyproject<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

But \u00e2\u20ac\u201dmy friend Josh<\/a> taught me,<\/p>\n

\n Photographing your loved ones is more important than photographing strangers.\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"Shot
Shot with a slower shutter speed. You can feel the movement in this picture with the motion blur. Cindy, 2016<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

When I got married, I photographed my own wedding<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Prologue
Prologue on the day of my wedding with Cindy.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Cindy
Cindy in wedding dress, touching mirror. 2016<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Cindy
Cindy flexing in mirror.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"My
My wedding day with Cindy. Cindy in traditional Korean Hanbok, 2016<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Photographing Cindy helps slow down time. It makes me consider,<\/p>\n

\n My time on earth with Cindy is limited. Let me enjoy every moment.\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\n
\"Amsterdam,
Amsterdam, 2017 #cindyproject<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Your life partner is the best person to photograph. You can photograph them at home, at the restaurant, or whenever. It is the best form of every day photography \u00e2\u20ac\u201d personal photos of your loved ones.<\/p>\n

\"Cindy
Cindy with red scarf. Berlin, 2017<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Photograph your life partner while they are working, at home, or in the living room. Always have your camera handy.<\/p>\n

\"Cindy
Cindy working in Airbnb. Berlin, 2017<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

When you go out together always bring your camera, and keep it around your neck or wrist. Shoot a lot.<\/p>\n

\"Cindy
Cindy walking with purple lights. Berlin, 2017<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Ask your life partner to pose for you, when you see an interesting scene or background.<\/p>\n

\"Cindy
Cindy with framed hands. Saigon, 2017<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

But what if your life partner doesn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t like being photographed?<\/p>\n

First of all, ask them:<\/p>\n

\n Why don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t you like being photographed?\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

For Cindy, it was initially that she had no control over her image.<\/p>\n

So now the rule is:<\/p>\n

\n Before I post pictures, I show them to Cindy. If she doesn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t like a picture, she tells me not to post it.\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

I like this \u00e2\u20ac\u201d because the photo making process of Cindy becomes collaborative. I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m giving her power, control, and autonomy over her image<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"Me
Selfie of me and Cindy in elevator. Berlin, 2017<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Not only that, but Cindy becomes a collaborative partner. She poses for the camera. She knows what her good angle is. She also helps me choose the best pictures of her.<\/p>\n

\"Cindy
Cindy power pose. Saigon hotel, 2017<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Taking photos of Cindy is like dancing. Sometimes she takes the lead, other times I take the lead. We try hard to not step on each other\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s toes.<\/strong><\/p>\n