To me, creating a photo where I feel a connection to the work and people involved is what authenticates one shot from another. At that point, it doesn't matter if I'm doing commercial work or a personal project. To me, what gives work soul isn't just a pretty image, but one that brings the characters traits to the surface. My favourite work is when I've unveiled moments in time where a facial expression, a human action or piece a of nature collide with beautiful light and mirrors my current state. "You're going to face yourself a lot, whether you like it or not."

Once Natalie committed to her health and well being she started doing yoga, and began a daily meditation combined with a mindfulness practice. It calmed the negative voice in her head, and it gave her a safe place to exercise without judgment, both physically and mentally. Years later she completed a pilot program for mindfulness cognitive behavior therapy based course for youth (19-24 year old's at St. Paul's hospital) but as she was exited from the program the doctor asked her to join their team. Three years later Natalie is now in her first month involved with leading a mindfulness group, where she teaches others about being aware of their present thoughts, feelings, and sensations.

From our Running On Empty story.

Natalie spoke confidently while reading the personal information, but as I watched her focus on the writing, I couldn’t help but wonder what she was feeling as she began to go further into detail. She continued while not skipping a beat. ”You decided that the risks of taking it are significant enough to motivate you to stop taking them.” she burst into laughter with her adolescent past. The fact she had lied to the nurse and had continued on using the pills was funny to her. I enjoyed the dark humor so I laughed as well. Yet, Natalie was more interested in easing her mind, so her body would continue to suffer until she found something simpler.

From my "Running On Empty" story.

I friend asked how I approach models to shoot nudes, and how I handle myself. This is what I said.

As for nudes. I would find someone who loves themselves, not like they love their tits, but they like who they are, they are happy with themselves, and are kinda cheeky and playful. It helps if they are enjoying themselves and moving around. When they move from pose to pose that's when you shoot. Not when they are in a pose. That's why I like to give them a prop. Like a branch. They forget they are there and wave it around like wand. they are playing. and THERE NEEDS TO BE CHEMISTRY. Nothing sexual. Unless you want that. But your working with each other. Give and take. But ask yourself why you want to shoot nudes? I would love to hear your answer. It's not to unclothe women. For me it makes a photo timeless. There are no brand names or labels or context for time. It's provocative yea, but its also just beautiful. Beautiful imperfections. Then once you know why, you can be more upfront with your model as to why you want to shoot nudes. The more info the better. Be real. It's a rush. its nerve racking, its scary. It may go bad hahaha. But most the time 9the girl walks away happy. I am selective when shooting girls. Not for body type, but for personality, and their story.

Feel free to write me at info@alexguiryphoto.com if you have any questions or collaboration ideas. This photo was taken on the same setup from the previous post, but just an hour before. #UnapologeticApologies