Last week we had the good fortune of being photographed as a family by Diana Palmer of Yan Photography, who resides in Utah. She has been traveling around the country like crazy doing family sessions. If you do not know her work, you should. It is amazingly unique. I think of it as dreamy and ethereal, almost other worldly. When I see her work I imagine being in some other, better place. I met Diana in Park City two years ago when we both did the Film is Not Dead workshop. I liked her right away. I was struck by how young and fresh she seemed. I was not familiar with her work at the time, but I quickly became a fan and after she switched to film I saw that it was a medium she was meant to use. It fits her style so well. So when I read that she was coming to Austin, I did not hesitate to book her. And boy am I glad I did.
The boys just loved her and it was fascinating to watch her work. After seeing her photographs over the years and getting to know her a bit, I expected her to have a very low key, organic working style. So I was surprised to find her very directed and controlling of how every little thing looked. And I loved it. I loved that she told me what to do and even arranged me how she wanted to me. Not only did it take me off the hook for feeling like I was unsure of what I should do, but it also made me feel taken care of. And it gave me a glimpse into her world. I did not even try to figure out what she was seeing, I just enjoyed being on the ride. I would imagine that it is not very different from being an actor with a very good director. After the shoot was over Diana and her friend Jessica (who is fabulous and who I met on Diana's last trip to Austin) hung out for dinner so it was nice to have a nice long visit afterwards and catch up.
Diana also has a great instagram feed. People like her and fellow Utah photographer and FINDer Becky Earl have really embraced the medium and pushed it beyond where I thought it was possible to go with it. Also check out her series #carryondiana.
I cannot wait to see the finished product. It will be fascinating to see what she was going for in each shot. But mostly it will just be nice to be in Diana's world, if even just for a little bit.