So Mr. Lou Noble is a Wonderful, Talented, and fairly well known Photographer who usually takes pictures of Interesting, Artistic, and Non-traditionally Beautiful Female Models from all over the Country; which perfectly matches his style of striking and colorful floral backgrounds; cascading and romantic natural lighting; and full force intimate portraiture that makes you think that he has caught the subject by surprise, but it’s just too good to be candid.  He has a unique and instantly affecting gift that has made him quite popular in the photography blogosphere. Not to mention he has a Kick-Ass Polaroid Collection!!

About two years ago he began a project to capture the images and stories of couples from all over the world in a book. This is where I come in… As many of you know, two years ago I was in love with a boy. And this boy was a HUGE fan of Mr. Noble’s work. And since I love to get my picture taken he asked to have our relationship documented for this couples project he was beginning. My boyfriend at the time showed up in his standard black t-shirt and tattoos, and I showed up with a bag filled with 16 changes of clothes. Needless to say I was a little nervous, but it turns out, Mr. Noble (or Lou to his friends) was a fellow Geek! Smart as a whip, with a quick tongue, and one of those humorous and mischievous personalities that makes conversations a blast! So while he took our picture he asked us questions; and we asked him questions; and to our surprise we asked each other questions… It was quite a remarkable experience… (If you ever get the chance to get your picture taken as a couple, do it. But be careful… the camera does not lie.) I remember being hyper aware of how blaring the cracks in the relationship were; and at the same time remembering to smile pretty for the camera.

The Pictures were Lovely, and they captured a moment in time when I was very much in love. But time only stands still in a photograph. In real life I was coming to realize that I was trying my darndest to love a boy who did not, and would not, love me back. (Come to find out, he kind of hated me.)  Obviously we are no longer together.

Now I am single. And honestly the pictures aren’t the easiest to look at.

But a few weeks ago I got an email from Lou asking me if I wanted to schedule another photoshoot. And since I still LOVE to get my picture taken, I said: “Hell Yes!!”  And just like the last time, we laughed; and talked about love, and comics, and God (or the absence of), and race, and the Twilight movie, and my misguided obsession with bowties and suspenders, and of course about the last time he took my picture…

I’m pretty pleased with the images he got.  I look Happy and Magical and just a Little Bit Strange… which sums me up pretty nicely.