The Universe has a funny way of helping us get what we want. Passionate as I was about photography throughout school, I was also looking for an alternative career. Psychology was the only “practical” topic that piqued my interest, likely for the same reason many people choose that career - for my own, self-healing needs. Giving what we desire for ourselves produces the same levels of serotonin in both recipient and the giver.

Were it not for being condescended by my own Psychology teacher, that might’ve been the path I chose over photography. In my Junior year of high school I was about the size of the average 5th grader. I was short, underdeveloped and reclusive outside of my small tribe of mostly-female friends.

I was actually engaged in a text book, which was a rare experience for me. We were studying a segment about how sex is used to sell products in advertising. Despite the usual teen-boy reaction to hearing the word sex, I was genuinely intrigued to learn more about the psychology of advertising. Instead it became an abrubt, indirect lesson for my psychology teacher.

Mr. H was teasing his big reveal of a magazine ad that used sex appeal to sell a product. To add to the anticipation he decided to single me out by further highlighting my youthful appearance.

He kept his finger between the pages, pretended to open, then pull it back to his chest saying "Mr. Geraths, this is pretty revealing, you should probably put your head down." The class laughed - I did not. I squinted my lasers at him, certain to convey that he was crossing a line.

Credit: Carrie Beeman, mother of HS Senior playing Mamarazzi. HA

Despite his age (his kids were older than us) it became clear that he made little use of his prefrontal cortex, appearing void of empathy, perception or other filter to stop the ugly path he was embarking on. He persisted - "Mr. Geraths, I don't wanna be getting a call from your parents now..."

The second burst of laughter was apparently not enough to appease his insecurities - he drew in another breath, clearly ready to strike another blow at my expense.

Turning my "other cheek" was not enough. My silent passivity gave way to an aggressive "F**K YOU" as I abruptly left the classroom. I felt anger, betrayal and disgust. Talking to faculty like this in 1980 was not acceptable, but my fear was gone. I was ready to defend my choice, and as expected he calculated his own risks of bringing it up.

Instead I wrote an anonymous article that was printed in our school paper "The Lantern". It was well received, likely touching many people in the same position - what I would refer to as the “Short-fat-skinny-tall INSIGHTFUL group.” I never kept a copy, but knowing my style, it likely held up a proverbial mirror to the truly insecure, seemingly "popular" crowd that would otherwise use us to feel better about themselves.

The next year I was TA for the Journalism teacher. Multiple requests were made to republish my article about peer pressure and cliques so she asked my permission. I agreed but remained insistent that my name was not included. I was still short, feelings still strong and wouldn't grow until after I graduated. (6.5" according to the marks I was scraping into my closet door)

As much as I loved psychology and writing, all paths were pointing to photography for me. Even though my psych “teacher” was less-than-inspiring, he served a greater purpose in my life as a proverbial fork in the road. Over the years I invested thousands of dollars in mostly-career counseling to guide me to the decision that photography allowed me to have everything that I ever wanted. Photography, writing and applied psychology.

In a sense, I did become a counselor - not certified, but for the past 25 years I've far exceeded Malcolm Gladwell's "10,000 Rule" for the number of hours I've practiced helping people to feel better about themselves. That, for me, was the attraction of still studying psychology to this day, but in my studio … APPLICATION!

Not a week goes by that I don't hear at least five clients introduce me to their own residual insecurities. Almost literally introducing me to their crooked teeth, curly hair, straight hair or lack of having any. Their pointed chins, grey hair, jowls, excess weight, facial scar, birthmarks and discomfort with aging.

In most cases the ones that might be dubbed as possessing model-like features tend to be the most insecure, wanting more photoshopping than most.

The thing that we ALL have in common - we want to feel good about ourselves. If you ever wonder why I am so flippin’ happy about doing what I do for a living, it's not because I'm taking pictures.

Ask any of my clients about the excess of time they spent with me, and they won't tell you it was talking about camera gear. In fact, I will only do that when paid to learn about photography. Not because I want to hoard any trade secrets, but it's just not the topic that excites me like lifting people up.

Photography is simply my platform for inspiring people to feel great about themselves. Yes, I've got the aptitude, accolades and LOVE for that aspect of my work. Photography is why people come to me, but what really fuels my passion is making sure that everyone leaves feeling better about themselves than when they arrived.

What they don't need to know on arrival is that it wasn't just the jaw-sculpting light angles, or the ability to prompt an authentic expression. More than the iris-popping modeling lights, I like to see people's entire face glow with the confidence that they're in great hands.

Years ago I adapted a policy of "No religion or politics in my camera room.” It's a sacred space and the lack of levity they provide are not beneficial tools of my trade.

If you're in a hurry for your session, there are also a few topics to avoid for us to keep time-aware. Personal development, neurolinguistics, metaphysics, social psychology and living a life filled with purpose. I completely lose track of time on these and a few other personal-development topics.

Just know that all of the above will be used to create an experience that I hope will exceed your expectations. I look forward to a chance to serve you the best experience I know how to provide.

One more quick note - Saying “CHEESE” might seem like a cute cheat with your kids but does not mimic an authentic smile. [PHOTOGRAPHER CRINGES] We won’t be doing that in my presence… : ^)

You're Already Beautiful - I'll Prove It...