The Photo Shoot

The Photo Shoot.

I counted down the six weeks, three days and fourteen hours to the dreaded photo shoot. Day by day, my anxiety grew. I had a mix of feelings: fear and terror, but also excitement and a sense that I might now be on the right path.

I tried to calm myself, but as I have mentioned in previous posts, I am not remotely photogenic. The moment I hear, Smile! I lose all control of my facial muscles. I tense up, hold my breath. I try to smile, but it looks kinda forced, like I’ve just murdered somebody and I’m trying desperately to look innocent. I haven’t by the way. I don’t know how other people break into spontaneous beaming smiles. Me, I look as awkward as I feel.

And another thing, what was I going to wear? I swept through my wardrobe like a tornado, dismissing everything I own. Nope, No, God no!!

My play is about saving green spaces and the importance of not turning every bit of land into housing estates. I’m passionate about wildlife, so there is an element of this in my play, but its primary focus is what this particular piece of land, called “The Wreck’ means to my characters.

So, anyway, I wanted to wear something that said something about me, about the play. Then saw it, a jumper with a gorgeous fox design. Perfect!

So, outfit sorted. Now what do I do with my hair? It’s naturally curly and has a mind of its own; some days it behaves, some days it doesn’t. I couldn’t leave it to chance. The photo shoot was on a Sunday, so no chance to visit a hairdresser beforehand. Maybe I could get some bendy curlers and give it some ooompf.

I spent the whole day with these damn bendy antennas sticking out of my head like a deranged Teletubby, but the big reveal sent me into a full-scale panic.

It was less Julie Roberts and more, well, you know, Marv in Home Alone when he grabs the doorknob and gets electrocuted? Yeah, that.

Thankfully, after washing it, it calmed down, and I was able to tame it somewhat.

The morning came, and I made my way to Middle Child Theatre. It was so nice to finally meet the other winners and the Middle Child team.

The photographer was lovely and tried to put me at ease, but to be honest, ten Valium wouldn’t have put me at ease. I was like the proverbial rabbit caught in the headlights.

Here goes…Smile!

Ok, so everyone else was smiling. I’m kinda just holding my shit together the best I can.

There was a faint smile, I tried. I really tried!

I was just relieved it was over.

They said they would send us a selection to choose from, so that’s good. At least I get to see them first.

Then the panic flooded back. I hope they’re ok. What if they’re terrible? Everyone is going to see them. They will be on the Middle Child website. Shit! :\

Anyway, I’m glad it’s over! Next time, I’ll tell you a little bit more about the play and what inspired me to write it.

Hope you like the photos, if not, you were warned!