 AN AWARD-WINNING photographer has launched a new studio using a distinct psychological approach with results, she claims, that give greater insight into the genuine character of her clients.
Shoot Me Studios launched on 2 July in Claridge Court, Lower Kings Road, Berkhamsted, and is the brainchild of Cynthia Nolan, 37, who holds a Masters degree in psychology.
Drawing from her psychology training, Cynthia, from Northchurch, uses a “non-directive, non-intrusive” approach to her clients, focussing instead on “tuning into” their feelings.
“A natural role for a photographer behind the lens is one of power and dominance,” Cynthia explains, “often with the result that the person in front of the camera is naturally subjugated and submissive and is happy to be told what to do.
“But to me, that’s never going to make a real photo, one that’s going to be treasured for ever.
“Rather than directing people to stand or sit in a particular place or do something different with their hands, my aim is to draw out the inner person by helping them express different emotions through their body language.
“I use my camera like a psychologist’s couch. I set the scene and my clients unfold,” she adds.
“The process is as much about the experience as it is about the physical picture. It’s about the person rather than the photo. Lots of people have said it’s a very therapeutic experience.”
Shoot Me Studios is the realisation of a dream for mum-of-two Cynthia, who for the last two years has run the successful Cheeky Chops Photos, a mobile business specialising in baby, toddler and family photography.
She is partnered by studio manager Lee Gardener-Morris and this brand new venture offers an edgier, more sophisticated range of services, with the focus on boudoir, lifestyle, fashion, portraiture and families.
“Movie-moment” recreations are a feature as are 15 minutes of fame-style photo-shoot videos aimed at the YouTube culture, with the emphasis on high quality, transparent pricing and specialist local artisan suppliers.
“A lot of studios hook people in with free sitting fees and then charge a fortune for prints,” says Cynthia, “but we charge £95 for a 60-minute shoot with the average spend including photos around £300-£350.
“Professional photography shouldn’t be a once-in-a-lifetime event, but something you can afford to revisit with or without a special occasion – we just need to make the time to fit it into our busy lives.” |
 Parul Bhatt is thrilled with the results of her photo session with Cynthia.
“I’d commissioned professional photos before for business and things like Facebook and dating agencies, but people would always tell me I looked absolutely nothing like my picture,” says the 43-year-old pharmaceuticals manager, from Stoke Poges, Bucks.
“I’d always struggle to find just one photo that I liked - they were always so posed and contrived. The worst comment I had was that I looked like a china doll.” With a six-year-old daughter and no prospect of a partner on the horizon, Parul admits: “I was starting to wonder if it was my age, being over 40.”
But as soon as she replaced her old photos with Cynthia’s on her dating sites, she was inundated with responses – and she’s now in a steady relationship.
“I’ve never felt more natural or truer to myself in a photograph,” she says. “Everyone says they are the real me through and through.
“The whole experience was so different to anything I’ve had done before. Cynthia just has a way of relating to you, talking to you, putting you very much at ease and understanding what you want. She’s worked wonders for my confidence! ” |
