What is "Pep Talks, a photo series"?


At the start of 2020 I read through Lin-Manuel Miranda's (composer of Hamilton the Musical, if you aren't familiar) book called "Gmorning, Gnight" subtitled, "little pep talks for me and you." The book is a culmination of what started as a few quirky tweets, which were quickly regarded as a motivational source for many who follow the multi-talented mogul on Twitter.


As I read, I marked pages that I liked, that spoke to me or that I thought were good places to return should I find myself needing a "pep talk." The quotes are simple, subtly inspiring and paint our live's most seemingly meaningless activities and minutia in a magnitude of colors.


Just before the New Year, I finally pulled the trigger on purchasing a Shooting & Editing course I've had my eye on for quite some time to take my photography to the next level. I signed up, started taking lessons and immediately wanted to challenge myself to put what I am learning to the test.


So I had an idea. How about I create images to accompany those little pep talks Miranda so artfully crafted and share them with the world? For this, I will need several models or subjects to help me visualize these stories.


-No modeling experience necessary!

-You may participate in one shoot or multiple!

-These shoots are completely FREE!

-Flexible scheduling (I will be creating these all year long so no rush to shoot right away!)

-I will wear a mask and maintain social distancing for all involved's safety


Still unsure what this project is about? Take a look at an example quote from "Gmorning, Gnight."


Good morning! Wear

sensible shoes as you

kick down doors!

Whoopshh!


Good night! Take off

your sensible shoes, put

on your dancin' shoes,

you deserve it.


With this particular piece, I would love to photograph a dancer in pointe or tap shoes. Fit that mold, email me!


I am also looking for the following:


  1. Someone to eat pizza
  2. Someone to drink coffee
  3. An older (ish) person learning something for the first time
  4. Someone laying in bed
  5. Someone playing tennis OR basketball
  6. Someone who wants to be surrounded by presents!
  7. Someone who wants to be photographed with a large stack of pancakes
  8. Someone writing on a typewriter (have one? please volunteer or lend!)
  9. Someone talking on an old style phone (think rotary or analog desk phone - have one? please volunteer or lend!)
  10. A runner!
  11. Someone wearing Dorothy's ruby red slippers (have a pair? please volunteer or lend)
  12. Someone in a flower field
  13. Someone on a rainy day
  14. Someone "working from home" on a laptop
  15. Someone to visit Brown County State Park with me to photograph you with the stunning views (thinking fall time!)


Any of these ideas pique your interest? Let me know when you reach out via email! pixbygem@gmail.com