Let's face it, typically photographers hate portraits of themselves. Retouchers, probably more. Maybe it's just me.  Dani Diamond started a series called The Project where he took on this daunting task of taking headshots of photographers! He wanted to embody their personalities and exemplify what they're about. 

Recently, Dani came to the Bahamas where I was also there teaching a workshop for Fstoppers. Dani is a fellow writer at Fstoppers and he wanted to take mine. The issue was I hated headshots! So he was in for a challenge.  I'll let him tell you the story from his perspective: 

If I were to pick the most stressful headshot I've had to take as of yet, it would definitely be this one! Even though this project is mainly a photographers project, I've made exceptions before and I'm doing it again now. The truth is, Pratik in fact, does take photos but he's well known across the globe for his retouching.

My palms were sweaty while taking this shot because anyone who is familiar with Pratik knows that he doesn't enjoy being in front of the camera. Not only that, he's a bit mysterious and he uses photos he's retouched as profile pictures. I knew if I wanted to satisfy him I'd have to stay true to what Pratik is all about. Additionally, Pratik deals with top-notch work on a daily basis and an ordinary headshot wouldn't cut it.

Two weeks ago I had the honor of meeting Pratik in the Bahamas where we both went to be a part of the Fstoppers workshop (he gave one, and I listened in on a few). After 3 years of getting to know him through social media, I finally met him face to face and the first thing I asked him was if I could add him to The Project. I ended up taking this portrait in a cabana using natural light only. Of course, I asked Pratik to add his magic touch and do the retouching for this one.

D800 85mm 1.4g

f1.8 1/1600 iso 160

After it was over, I saw the shot he had in mind as the final as I was amazed. Dani was right, I hate photos of myself! Until Dani took mine. As we met, he would analyze my personality and embodied everything in this shot. I suddenly realized what a gift photography actually is when you're the recipient of something that makes you feel incredible. I'll never forget this portrait of me.