Several weeks ago I already mentioned my photoshoots with Jan Scherders. I was looking so much forward to it! The shoots would be for a stock database, something I did for the first time. One day we went to the area of my university and later that week we went to my horse. That last one was obviously really special for me, since it's my own horse and I care about her so much and I was hoping for some beautiful pictures of us together. 

Since the Dutch summer was very weird weather-wise this year, we could only hope for good weather. Somehow we got lucky, both days were sunny with a nice, blue sky. Unfortunately Bentoyah, the horse, had a little wound right under the saddle, so we weren't able to take pictures with all the gear on. Still, the previews seemed really promising. 

Last weekend, after waiting a little bit impatiently, I received the pictures. I already heard that Jan and his creative director were really enthusiastic about the results, so my expectations were quite high. However, I can only say that I was really, really happy with the results. At first, I had my doubt about the student pictures, since I was afraid that my confused/focused/desperate/bored/frustrated expressions wouldn't show my most beautiful sight ;-). Of course, that wasn't even what the pictures were supposed to be about; they were about expressions and concepts. But still, I'm a model, and I want to look pretty. ;-) However, I was surprised. Maybe a bit arrogant to say, but I think that even my desperate face looked ok. :-) The happy/satisfied/successful/relieved expressions looked really nice too. I guess I just like positive looks better than negative looks... 

What can I say about the pictures with bentoyah? Well... the only reason I don't have them as a poster on my wall, is because I couldn't decide yet which picture to enlarge. There are three of them that I simply love. Like I said, they're extra special to me, but I do think the pictures are good. The light, the surroundings, my expressions, the horse... Yep, just awesome! Maybe I should put all three of them on my wall :-D

After I looked a few times at the results, I had a little chat with Jan about stock photography in general. I don't know much about it, basically the only thing I know is that some people dislike it. To them, it’s not glamorous enough. I was a bit in doubt whether or not I should place these pictures in my portfolio. It could either attract people who like diversified portfolios and/or commercial work, or it could repel people who cannot appreciate it. After considering my options, I decided to place some of the pictures in my portfolio. The main reason for this decision is that I do this job because I like doing it. My portfolio shows the pictures that I like and that I’m proud of. So, these pictures belong there.  Of course, I am still wondering how other people feel about this, so feel free to give your opinion about this issue. And obviously, I would really like to know what you think about the results.

Love, Thalassa

Photography: Jan Scherders