There’s something really special about stepping out of your usual role, especially when your “usual” is being the one behind the camera.
At the Reset Conference in Chattanooga, I had the chance to do exactly that. What started as a fun, spontaneous idea turned into one of the most creatively energizing shoots I’ve been part of. This time, I wasn’t the photographer. I was the model.
A True Collaboration
This shoot came together with two incredibly talented creatives: Chelsea Hamilton of Chelsea Marie Photography and Erin Henze of Erin Henze Media.
They photographed the entire session, and I edited all of the images afterward, which made it feel like a full-circle collaboration. Each of us brought something different to the table, and the energy of working together like that is hard to replicate when you are creating alone.
The Wardrobe: Thrifted Perfection
One of my favorite parts was the outfit.
We built the entire look from scratch at a local thrift store, The Local Dive, and somehow it all came together perfectly:
- A white denim jumpsuit
- A floral bralette
- A black bowler hat
- White leather dockers
It was one of those moments where you do not overthink it. You just create, play, and trust the process.
Exploring Chattanooga Through a Creative Lens
We shot in some of the most visually interesting spots in the city, each one adding a completely different feel to the session.
Under the floating umbrellas in the alley beside the The Read House Hotel, everything felt whimsical and colorful. Then we moved through the surrounding streets and up to a rooftop parking garage, where the light and open space gave us something more raw and cinematic.
Inside the hotel, we found vintage phone booths that felt like stepping back in time. Moody, nostalgic, and full of character. Each location pushed us creatively in a new direction, and that constant shift kept the momentum going all day.
Getting in Front of the Camera
As photographers, we spend so much time directing, adjusting, and observing that we rarely give ourselves the chance to just be in front of the lens.
This experience reminded me how valuable that perspective is.
Being the model:
- Gave me a deeper appreciation for how it feels to be directed
- Helped me understand vulnerability in a new way
- And honestly, it was just fun
There is a different kind of confidence that comes from letting go and trusting someone else’s vision.
Why Creative Energy Matters
What really made this shoot stand out was not just the locations or the styling. It was the energy.
Working alongside other creatives who are equally excited, inspired, and open to experimenting changes everything. Ideas build faster, risks feel easier to take, and the end result becomes something none of you could have created on your own.
Final Thoughts
This shoot was a reminder that sometimes the best thing you can do for your creativity is to:
- Try something new
- Collaborate with others
- Step outside your comfort zone
Whether it is picking up a camera or stepping in front of one, those shifts are where growth and a lot of fun happen.
And honestly, I would not mind being the model again sometime.
Take a look at The Local Dive’s Instagram!