ESSAY

My photography style is one that has developed over the years into its own signature, and it balances an artistic element with a technical know-how. I am one of a select few of Atlanta photographers who has a special interest in photographing headshots, and I’m primarily Atlanta-based geographically; however, I do enjoy travel, and will on occasion take on a travel photography assignment from time to time. As a professional photographer, though I enjoy my special interest in shooting head shots as my specific area of focus, I tend to have more varied interests than most photographers. Family portraits are always a special portrait that I am honored to take part in, to capture a family in a moment of time for them to cherish that moment forever, thanks to my contribution as an artist. I remember one time when I was asked to print some children portraits so that they could be placed in their grandmother’s casket at the family viewing. That meant so much to me, to know that the children’s portraits were a gift to their grandmother, a special token of their love, something that she could take with her. I embrace those moments knowing that I do make a difference in peoples’ lives with my photography. Those times encourage me to create memories and to share them with others as my contribution in their lives. Wedding photographers experience the same feeling of making a difference, and though I’m more of a Commercial Photographer, I also find myself capturing these beautiful memories for a bride and groom in my own special way….more of a photojournalistic style of shooting. Commercial Photographers, especially in Atlanta, tend to focus on one specific area of interest; i.e. product photography, architectural photography, fashion photography, corporate photography, etc. As mentioned, my areas of interest are not in a “box”, so to speak but I do find myself shooting more headshots than anything else. I do enjoy this area of focus, and have honed my skills as a sought-after Head Shot Photographer in Atlanta and the Southeast. Most recently, I was referred by Sharon Stone, the Actress; she referred me to her sister who lives here in Atlanta. My headshot assignments range from the business person needing a photograph to the Musician needing a cover for his/her debut CD. I’ve photographed TWB5, a gospel group here in Atlanta, Euclid Gray, and Sharon North to name a few Musicians (please see my MySpace page, http://www.myspace.com/paulamodio ). I’m always photographing Actors and Actresses for theatre and for film. An Actor Headshot is the calling card for the actor to present himself to the agencies, and so it must be a coming together of several components for its success. My hair/makeup artist, Brandi Luster, is my creative partner in this creation. She is phenomenal as an artist, and she’s super cool to be with for a shoot. The Model shoots that we do for a portfolio or a composite card are usually styled with 3-4 outfits, and we take our time ensuring that we get the shot, and making sure everything is synching in harmony. The same is true for our Actor shoots; expression, angle, lighting, makeup, exposure settings on the camera, filter settings….all of it comes together as a creation. Thank you for reading more about me and what I do as your Photographer; I am grateful for the opportunities you give me and for the trust you place in me as your Artist and your new friend who has your best interest in mind. God be with you.

artist statement