Portraiture isn't my strong suit. It's not something I've ever much enjoyed, either. If I had the opportunity to open my own studio to shoot senior portraits, families, weddings, et cetera, I would gladly turn it down.

That being said, when friends or family are in need and ask me for photographic help, I'm quick to oblige.

In this case, I photographed a friend for a fashion contest for American Eagle Outfitters.

While she didn't win the contest (winners were determined by votes from friends/families/etc.), it was an incredibly rewarding experience and the photographs I got out of the process are by far the best portraits I've ever taken.