Few things can make me nervous-sweat like interacting with a group of women I don't know.
Sometimes I feel propelled back to high school where every whisper, giggle, or look could be an act of physiological warfare meant to vanquish anyone outside their feminine tribe.
If all of them get on the same page and pick a target shivers the end result is brutal and scaring.
So when I talked with Jenny, Courtney, and Kaleena, the magical trio of JP Financial, I kept my eyes open, listened carefully, and observed cautiously.
What would this close-knit group of highly intelligent women be like?
Who's too sensitive to joke with?
What topics are 'too offensive'?
What kind of women were coming to my studio in Ulster Pennsylvania?
Let me just remove suspense so it doesn't seem like I'm leading you on- I didn't need to worry about any of that.
Would you believe me if I told you that Jenny, Courtney, and Kaleena were kind, patient, trusting, and agreeable every time we met?
(If you've read anything about anyone else I've ever photographed this probably doesn't surprise you. I just tend to get truly incredible people who choose me to be their photographer.)
This group of women with their incredible knowledge in the world of finance and investing treated me with phenomenal amounts of respect and trust. Every meeting was clear and full of gratitude as we discussed plans for updated headshots and personal pictures.
At no point was an unkind word, look, or view expressed.
There was no complaining or sarcastic jokes.
Only encouragement and support, a real feeling of unity.
Why does this matter?
Why did this stick out to me so much?
Why am I taking the time to write about this?
Because kindness that is genuine and respect that is handed out freely seem like rare traits in today's vitriolic world.
And because being photographed is kind of an uncomfortable thing.
However, these ladies make it look natural and lovely.
Being photographed emotionally disrobes you. We've been preconditioned to anticipate feelings of exposure and vulnerability and judgment. Put just one of those stressors on someone and you'll get a good view of who they are.
All three? And add in an audience of people you know well and people you don't- man, that's a cocktail most people avoid.
But if they don't, if someone willingly steps into that anticipated discomfort I get a very clear view of who they are.
Turns out you can't hide much from your photographer . . . it's all in the eyes.
Let me tell you just a little about these women and what I saw and experienced with them:
Kaleena- Kindness that makes my heart hurt. Kindness that feels almost startling because I don't know what I ever did to cause Kaleena to treat me so well. And it wasn't just me. Kaleena was looking out for Courtney and Jenny as well, asking about getting a coffee or going back to the office to check on possible messages.
Not only is kindness a key aspect of Kaleena's personality but organization and an unshakable desire to do things the correct way the first time.
Courtney- Humor with a balancing mix of sincerity. Courtney and I commiserated on the ups and downs of potty training our three-year-olds while also talking about our love of family and the peace it brings. And then following that up with good-natured humor about motherhood, work life, and community. But no matter what we discussed, Courtney's words were always measured and thought out. It was like she was making sure every word she said was really what she meant.
Jenny- Inspiring amounts of humility. Jenny is knowledgeable and exceptionally capable. Her understanding of finances, investments, businesses, and family is staggering. She's brilliant and sharp as a tack. Despite all this knowledge and the confidence that comes with it, Jenny constantly leaned into my judgment and insight. "You're the photographer here," she said. "Just tell us what you think and we'll do it."
That kind of humility, to let go of control and lean into someone else's knowledge is rare as it is heartwarming.
All three of these women share qualities of humor, kindness, sincerity, competence, and humility. Not one of them doesn't fit and work beautifully well with the others. Jenny, Kaleena, and Courtney amplify one another's best qualities by supporting each other and encouraging goodness.
Yet, somehow, they still have room for hard conversations. In the world of financial planning, they sometimes have to have serious discussions about the future of their clients and what their expectations should be. These women understand the necessity of integrity.
For them, being good isn't just about unending politeness and niceties. It's about honesty and truth because at the end of the day, that's what impacts reality, that's what matters.
Tucked back in the hills of the very small, beautiful town of Rome Pennsylvania is the office of JP Financial. There you'll find Kaleena, Courtney, and Jenny. This small tribe of women won't make you feel foolish because of a lack of knowledge. They won't treat you like a burden or make you feel like you're 'outside the tribe.'
They will treat you with respect.
They'll take on your concerns with understanding and honesty.
They'll sit with you to find solutions and answers to problems.
I've seen these women and they are good and beautiful and true.
My friends, what an honor to have photographed you and learned from you.
Thank you for choosing me.
Hair and makeup for my wonderful friends thanks to: Hair- Amanda C. owner of Vitality
Makeup- Shea H. owner of Shea Hair and Makeup Artist
Love,
Melinda
P.S. Are you interested in an incredible photoshoot experience with Melinda? Whether it be a branding photoshoot, birthday photoshoot, mother and daughter pictures, headshots, or contemporary portraits and boudoir we will create something show-stopping that celebrates you!
Private Photography Studio in Ulster PA.
(I totally built this thing from scratch and it's beautiful. You should come see it.)
Serving Athens PA, Sayre Pennsylvania, Ulster Pennsylvania, Towanda Pennsylvania, Elmira New York, Corning New York
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