Forward
by Julie Godbout
Small synchronicities happen in our everyday lives and often they seem coincidental or insignificant. As time passes, the fruit of certain synchronicities make them impossible to label as mere happenstance.
Meeting Wes fell into that category! Although still relatively new to modeling at the time, I was no stranger to the bad apples in the industry. I was bombarded by so many dubious offers that I almost lost hope in modeling altogether. When Wes initially reached out to me, I was extremely wary. Upon receiving his message, I couldn’t help but think, “Another suspicious photographer with an offer to trudge through.” His work was of phenomenal quality but my trust was worn so thin, I almost thought his account was fake! Wes asked if I would shoot artistic nudes and I politely declined. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to do that type of work, but I was terrified of putting my faith in anyone to do that type of work with. After a few message exchanges between the two of us, I went silent for nearly a week.
I fancied the idea of creating the art and quality of work Wes had, I just didn’t have the appetite to trust again. I did a little research and finally decided to contact him. Would I regret my last leap of faith in the industry? Seeing as I’m writing this now, absolutely not! I can say with confidence that reaching back out to Wes to schedule a photo shoot was the best decision I’ve made in my modeling career. His attentiveness of professionalism has restored much of my lost trust in photographers and in the industry as a whole.
Every shoot consists of all my favorite things: road trips, exploration, good food, creativity and the fascinating outdoors. Wes’s preparedness, patience and easy-going attitude make every collaboration a safe and wholesome learning experience.