This morning with Ms. Palma was about four years in the making. Between scheduling conflicts, travel plans, availability issue, all of which I should note were present on both ends, continued to pose an issue for us as far as finding some time to hang out. That being said, this day and these images turned out much better than either of us could have imagined and amongst all of the reasons, it comes down to two in particular. Over the past three-ish years of photographing people, I have grown less interested with orchestrating the details of photographing people and more in tune with their comfort, safety, and the active reassurance that they’re allowed to come as they are. I get asked if I’d like rooms arranged a certain way, I typically don’t care. “Should I do my make up or go for a barefaced look?” How much ever little you want, none if you don’t care for it. Hair messy? Good with me, too. Want to roll out of bed while I’m in the elevator coming upstairs and let me photograph you brushing your teeth? Game on. The moment I send someone their finished photos, I consider my job done. I don’t need you to share them, don’t need you to put them on your story or anything, my fulfillment is directly tied to making good on my intention to give you an honest portrayal of yourself. When I sent Isabel her album, she called me and said they were the most beautiful pictures of herself and she thanked me over and over for them. This has happened a few times over the years and each time I’m profoundly humbled and grateful, no less than the time before.

— Field Notes