Let’s talk about fear.
Not the horror movie kind—but the “what if they say no?” kind.
The kind that shows up when you're standing in public with a camera in your hand, heart racing, trying to work up the nerve to ask a stranger, “Hey, can I take your portrait?”

Here’s the thing: growth lives on the other side of that awkward question.

Recently, I’ve been pushing myself to break out of my creative comfort zone by actively seeking new portrait subjects. Not models. Not friends. Real people in real places—coffee shops, parks, street corners, or in this case one of the talented photographers that attended and event at Allens Camera on Saturday. It’s can be terrifying. It’s awkward. They can say no. They can even worse say no in front of people and be offended or annoyed. Doesn't matter. A lot of growth can come out of discomfort.

Sony A1 II and 50-150 f/2 Fj400 II and Manny Ortiz Beauty Dish

A couple of things have helped:

I'm spoiled. I know that isn't what you want to hear but i have lots of cool friends that will let me check out new gear. 

New gear = new mindset.
Picking up something like the Sony 50-150mm f/2 is a total game changer. I got to shoot semi wide to really tight all with creamy bokeh and an option to quickly move from the hyper reality of 50 to the flattering compression of 150 all while never having to change apertures and settings was a dream. 

Next i choose to challenge myself with something wild like the FUJIFILM GFX100RF. Medium format. Massive files. Ridiculously gorgeous dynamic range. Wonderful colors and tones. AND A LEAF SHUTTER. Using a camera that big makes you commit. It’s not a subtle “snap a quick pic”—it’s an event, and it pushes you to step up and create something meaningful.

Good light = instant confidence.
When you’re dragging around your fear and possibly a stranger who just agreed to let you photograph them, do yourself a favor: make the lighting effortless.

I rely on the Westcott FJ400 II for that fast, consistent flash power anywhere, and the Manny Ortiz softbox for soft, dramatic light that instantly levels up your image (and makes your subject feel like they’re on the cover of a magazine—even if they're in a gas station parking lot).

Sony A1 II and 50-150 f/2 
 

The truth is: not every portrait works out. Some are awkward. Some people say no. Some run away (true story).
But the wins? They come from the failures.

So take the shot. Ask the question. Try the new lens. Lug the giant camera through a crowd. Light someone up (figuratively AND literally).
You never know what magic you’ll make when you lean into the discomfort and fail forward.

Share this with a friend who needs to hear this—and go find someone new to photograph today. Your best portrait might just be one “excuse me” away.

Fujifilm GFX100RF

Fujifilm GFX100RF