Meet Lissie: a musical idol of mine, and owner of one of the most amazing voices on the planet.

For almost 2 years, I have been trying to contact her to ask if she would be willing to sing/perform on my new CD...but I've been unsuccessful, attempt after attempt.

About 3 months ago, I had pretty much given up on the idea. She had become so popular, she reached what I call "untouchable" status.

Then came the portentous day I received an email from a man who was inquiring about taking Photoshop lessons from me...when I noticed the contact footer of his email said "Tour & Production Manager - Lissie".

Of course, I almost fell out of my chair.

I called him, and we talked for quite some time...over an hour...but I did not mention to him that I am a Lissie fan. At least, not until we neared the end of our conversation.

Once the lid was off the box, I told him:

1) I would love to photograph her, one day
2) I wanted to ask her availability/willingness to perform on the new CD

He said he could most likely set up a shoot with her, but I was on my own, regarding the CD

Fast-forward 2 months later (which was yesterday), and I received an email from him, telling me that they are in Austin to perform, and if I wanted to photograph Lissie, he could arrange a 30 minute window of availability after sound-check.

Of course, I pop into a cab, and go to the venue around 5pm.

Within 15 minutes, sound check was over, and she climbed off of the stage and walked over to me. "So, what kind of stuff do you want to shoot?", she asked.

"Just you...being you", I said.

"I think I can do that ", she replied

To make a long story short, I was with her for about 30 minutes...but I spent the majority of those minutes just talking with her.

I learned a looooooong time ago, a photograph is SO much better if you spend some time getting to know the person you are going to be photographing. Connect, at all costs. I won't even pick up the camera until that connection is established. It is a deal-breaker for me.

Fortunately, she is very easy to connect with

I spent less than 15 minutes photographing her in the bottom of a stairwell in the venue, where there was (mercifully) some daylight coming in through the glass door. It was all I needed.

After the shoot, we went outside to smoke, and that was when I asked her about performing on my CD...to which she expressed some keen interest. I do think my eyes got a bit misty, at her response

She gave me hug goodbye, and said "see you at the show later!"

And the show was fuh-MAZING, of course.

What a day, this was...I'm going to be smiling as I go to sleep

Also from this shoot »

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If you have never heard this woman sing, do your soul (and your ears) a favour and listen to this: [link]

Visit her official website here: [link]

Tutorial videos of my post-production and Photoshop techniques are available now at: www.ibarra2.com
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