collaborations and putting my social anxiety on the back burner.

 i'm a shy person. i don't really put myself out there much, and wonder why i don't see my business thrive. i've come to realize in order to prove to others i'm serious about my art i must "try". it's not quite enough to have the craft perfected, but to promote your work in different ways, including collabing with local models. i've been in denial for too long that i must start talking to people and be willing to get social.

erika posted on the pittsburgh photographer's group asking for assistance in building her modeling portfolio, and i was quick to respond. i knew i was going to be nervous and feel unsure of myself at first but i contacted her anyways. i am so glad i did. her username is @eri.anne on instagram! check out her modeling and photography if you have the chance!

i have this thing for dilapidated, old towns that once were thriving and hold a lot of rich history. i chose saltsburg for this shoot. it did not disappoint. and erika was AWESOME to work with. her outfit choices were so on point with the location. 

​i have high hopes that meeting up with her and shooting despite not knowing each other beforehand will spark a new courage in me. social anxiety is a killer. it can really eat you alive and leave you feeling uninspired, useless, and talentless. i don't want to let it control me as an artist anymore. i've really been kept in a box most of my life because of it. it's not that i don't like people... it's quite the opposite actually. i love people so much and feel so much and want everyone to love me. it's time to be CONFIDENT! and trust that i am a good, likeable individual and artist. 

---

the day before our shoot, i went out to saltsburg to be sure it was a prime location. i always liked it when driving through but never really explored. i found this AWESOME laundry mat. the colors of the floor were insanely cool. i always wanted to shoot in a laundry mat but knew it was a cliche and i've seen fellow photographers complain about the concept but i wanted to try it! i am so glad i did. 

pictured above is one of my favorite shots from the evening.

ended the shoot with some super moody tones on this old storefront. this shoot was so inspiring! i hope to collab with more models in the future. please contact me if you are interested <3


thanks for reading,
​pey.