Gabriella Vidale – Model – Shooting With Soul

Why Shooting with Soul – what did you want out of the workshop?

I heard about SWS through a friend who is a photographer. She was really enthusiastic having just come from the course and how much it had helped her personal development, as well as her photographic skills. I wanted to have that same experience, as I had always wanted to improve my modelling skills by allowing myself the freedom to just ‘be’. I knew it would also challenge me on a personal level so I signed up!

Tell us about your experience of the day?

The experience started on my journey in. I had a car accident that could have been so much worse. I wasn’t actually going to include that detail but the fact is, it impacted my day so much that I honestly didn’t think I would be able to ‘deliver’. I think I had a lot more fear and pain to bring to my pictures than I would have on any other day, which was ironically, what I wanted. I wanted to come away from trying to be pretty in a photograph and just allow myself to be photographed raw.
As a result, I felt like I had tapped into something that had been dormant for a while: My warrior spirit. I found my ‘roar’ which I was able to bring into my pictures.

What was the biggest value from the day?

I found that with Clare- Louise’s guidance I was able to I challenge myself, to stay present when my mind wondered over to doubt and allow myself to go with the journey, rather than stay in my head.

Whats changed for you since the workshop?

I left SWS with a certain ‘knowing’ about my capabilities, not just as a model but in life in general. I also feel I stepped into my power as this was one of the exercises we did on the day. Something really resonated with me.

How do you feel you have grown creatively/personally?

This is something that I had to look at retrospectively as I compared how far I have come from the shots at Guy Cliffe House, to other photoshoots in the past. I have definitely come a long way. Just allowing myself to be photographed mid roar or at my most vulnerable (there is a picture where there are genuine tears) That’s a very big step for me! So I guess the personal change has come about by me embracing my vulnerability and realising I am not an ugly crier

What would you tell others about Clare Louise?

After the morning I had getting in to SWS, Clare Louise was waiting for me with a cuddle and a cup of coffee and the support continued through out the day. It certainly helped to put me in the right mind set and I was able to focus on the day. I love that Clare Louise does these workshops with the genuine intent of helping people realise their creative dreams, which is why I think it is so successful.

Who would you recommend this workshop to and why?

I would recommend this workshop to anyone who is serious about getting seriously creative. If you are ready for a big change, then this is the place to be.

The last word :

If you truly want to discover your greatness, this is the place to come! Clare Louise provides a safe environment to challenge and support your creative growth.