Hello     

 "To sit for one's portrait is like being present at one's creation"   

It is common knowledge that a picture says more than 1,000 words - but does it always tell the truth?

I would say that every photograph tells 'a' truth. It can tell the subject's version of a truth, the photographer's interpretation of a truth, or in the case of a candid photo...it can reveal a truth that is neither created nor embellished. 

Let's look at two types of photographs through the lens of truth sayer: 

Professional photos (Head Shots) - we've all likely had them taken at some time in our careers. They reveal what we want to project. We control the lighting, the backdrop, the wardrobe, the facial expression and tilt of the head. We have the ability to project 'a' truth about ourselves that we choose to ... i.e. I'm serious, I'm trustworthy, I'm successful, I'm sincere.

When I'm working with clients, I listen for the 'head shot moments' when I hear things that sound like they come from a sales brochure or when I sense that the words are saying one thing while the energy and spirit in the voice are saying something else.  There are times when leading with a headshot is best and there are times when leading with a headshot can be limiting or distracting. 

Candids - These types of photos that tell truths that are engaging, compelling, and revealing. Some make us cringe with humility and others warm our heart when something deep inside of us has been captured on film: things like pure joy, absolute passion,  or unbridled pride.

When I'm in conversations with clients, I liken candid photos to those unguarded moments when a deep 'truth' is somehow slipped into the conversation - either by what is being said or what is not being said. Those are the moments I listen for, bring to my client's attention, and explore (or, as I like to say, 'poke at'.)

These 'candid truths' prompt me to say 'tell me more about that' because they reveal depth and texture that is compelling. Candids are like windows into THE truth about a person which ultimately holds the answers to busting through the roadblocks. 

Three pictures below, what 'truth' does each one reveal to you about the subject? Which compels you to want to know more?: 

I encourage you to get to know what your own 'candids' look like and what they reveal about you. 

Here's a few questions to help you find the candids (be completely unfiltered and honest as you answer each):

1. The last time you hit a successful achievement, what's the very first thing you did or thought of?  
2. The last time you were completely frustrated or angry with someone, what's the very first thing you did or thought of?  
3. This morning, as you looked over your plans for the day, which item on your agenda brought you the most sense of joy? Which brought you the most sense of dread?  
4. If your boss walked in today and gave you carte blanche to 'fix' any problem you are having in your current situation (open budget, no restraints...just fix it)...what would you do?  
5. If you could be doing anything for a living other than what you are currently doing, what would it be? Why are you not doing that today? 

This week, try to identify three times when you have led with the 'Head Shot' version of you and three times when you've shared the 'Candids' version of you.    

 Greetings! 

email: mmalinchok@verizon.net 

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