Soapbox Studio Details & Contact

Welcome

Hi there!  Are you interested in participating in The Soapbox Studio™​ project?  If so, please read the information below and fill out the form to get the ball rolling.

About the Project

Basically, I take portraits of participating individuals that tell a story about some aspect of their lives, personality, or history. I then pair that portrait with a short blurb that they write, in their own words, telling me (and the world) about it.  Both the portrait and the story are then published on the blog in the Soapbox Studio™ section.  The idea behind the project is that everyone has a story and many experiences and situations make up our lives.

The goal is to portray thought-provoking images with message-sending stories.  An example might be someone who struggles with infertility:  The image would portray this in some way, and the subject would possibly write about how they remain hopeful, how they cope, about their frustrations, etc.  And the take-home message might be to let others know they are not alone, and perhaps what they would like to say to the world to educate others about the misconceptions and social stigmas surrounding the situation that they endure (i.e. the insensitive things people unthinkingly say as a social norm).

How It Works

After a candidate is selected, they are contacted to set up an interview, during which we will discuss how we can best tell their story to my camera and when to schedule their session.  Participants then submit their story (that they wish to accompany their image) in their own words via email.  Afterwards, a quick 30-60 minute photo session will take place (for which there is no charge).  And of course, participants also need to sign a model release.  Once the image has been fully edited and artistically created, the participant will receive a copy of the image.

Sharing with the World

The image and the story are then published on the blog in the Soapbox Studio™ section, and shared on social media as well as the Living Out of Focus newsletter.  Participants are also encouraged to share these posts by linking to the Soapbox Studio™ section or by using share options provided by social media platforms.  By sharing these images and stories with others, it is my hope that we promote understanding, empathy, joy, love, hope, and other wonderful things.

Have a Story to Tell?

If you are interested and would like to submit your topic and info for review, please fill out the form below.  🙂  Applicants must be local (in the Southern WV area), as I’m afraid travel for this project is currently limited.

*Please understand that Living Out of Focus features individuals and stories at our discretion and reserves the right to decline interested applicants/candidates as we see fit.  For instance, it is not in our interest to promote stories that encourage hate…