Page 12 of Between the Blue
Mr. Hartmann’s voice draws me back into the classroom.
“Now, I know it’s the first day, but I want to allow you plenty of time to work on this assignment, so I’m giving you a head start.”
I sit up in my seat and notice a few people around me pulling out notebooks to write in.
“You all were accepted into this program for a reason. Each and every one of you has a photography specialty that you’ve worked hard to master. It’s where you thrive and where you’re most comfortable.” He takes a pause to scan the room before continuing. “So, over the next week, I’d like you to getuncomfortable.”
I find my brows rising along with a majority of the class.
“Pick something that is nothing like your usual subject matter and photograph it in a way you normally never would. Push your limits and get the best material you can. Let’s say…five photos. Don’t be afraid. Have fun with it. Create a mood board of sorts with whatever you get. We’ll present them in class next Wednesday.”
“Could you give us an example, sir?” a boy speaks up from the back of the room.
“Sure,” Mr. Hartmann nods. “If your speciality is food, for example…photograph something that moves this time.”
Several hums of understanding and wonder sound around the room.
“And let’s say fashion is your thing,” Mr. Hartmann continues, making my ears perk up. “Maybe you’re used to photographing things that are light and airy. Maybe you usually work with earthy, vintage, and sometimes whimsical tones.”
He’s speaking my language.
“Scrap all of it,” he declares.
I try to ignore the muscles twitching in my face .
“Do something less clean,” Mr. Hartmann continues. “Less picturesque. Rougher around the edges.”
My brows pull together as I try to rewire my brain to want to photograph anything else.
“I can guarantee that, as a photographer, you will never have perfect conditions,” he tells us. “It’s up to you to make the best out of what you’re given. Find what works. Use the skills you have and your special eye tomakeyour subject shine.Thatis your job. You’ll want to remember that as you start your internships over these next few weeks.”
I tilt my head to the side, my mind already racing through possibilities. I understand the point of the assignment. I know that no matter how particular your style is or how uniform your portfolio may be, there will always be unexpected factors in jobs. It’s good to be versatile. I get it. But I won’t lie and say that I love that fact.
I’ve been so set on a particular style of fashion photography for so long. It’s all I’ve ever done and all I’ve ever wanted to do. But I can think of something. I’ll make it work.
I’m always up for a challenge.
He’s not going to be here,I try to convince myself the following morning.
I know that he won’t. So there’s no need to stress over it.
Why would I stress over it?I ask myself.
I’m not usually someone to let other people get to me. So why is now any different?
It’s not.
So I walk right through the front door of the gym like there’s not a chance he’ll be inside.
Because he won’t be.
I keep my chin high all the way to the women’s locker room, scanning my surroundings.
And, sure enough, James is nowhere to be found.
See? Giving him any thought was just a waste of time–
My head snaps up and to the side like I’m not even in control of my body, my hand pausing its motion against the half open door to the locker room.
