Page 42 of Building Courage

She’d thought about it, but the days of making a living taking personal photographs had passed. Everyone had a camera or a phone that could capture as many images as they could snap. Professional photography had moved into the published image for television, magazines, books, or online promotions. And once a photo was published in any mode, it was fair game to be hijacked and used; copyright be damned. Her side business of selling photos to parents when children were involved was just that, a side business, but her download business brought in some good money.

“I noticed you gave all the models business cards,” Jess said as she helped Brynn set up some lights.

“Yes. If they’re pursuing a modeling career, they’ll need a portfolio. I can print some of these photos off for them to add to theirs and take some headshots if they need them. And if anyone wants a model for a book cover, I’m building my list of models who would be available for that.”

“You don’t miss a trick, Brynn.”

“I’ve been hustling for three years to maintain my business. You have to think outside the box to discover what other things can come out of one job and lead into the next.”

They worked very well together. Jess adjusted lights, replaced the SD cards when needed, placed the used one in a case, and handed it to Brynn. Brynn secured it carefully in an interior pocket of the fanny pack that hung at her back.

While Jess lit the candles on the bar and a few of the tables, Brynn secured a filter on her camera to make the bar appear more romantic. After several shots, Brynn changed the focus so the candles and lights in the background blurred just a fraction. She worked steadily for twenty more minutes before stepping back to view the fruits of her labor. She let the camera rest around her neck, put her hands on her hips, and stretched.

“I think we’ve shot every inch of this vessel but the engine room. I think we’re done,” she said.

“Me, too,” Jess seconded the comment with enthusiasm. She rushed to turn off the lights to allow them to cool. “Can we have just one glass of champagne before we disembark?”

“I’m driving, so you can have more than one.”

Brynn removed the SD cards from the camera, secured it in her fanny pack, and they packed the cameras up, along with the multiple lenses she’d used. Jess slipped out on deck to get one of the glasses of champagne from the table near the pool while Brynn got a soft drink.

“You’re not going to have champagne to celebrate?” Jess asked as she reclined on a lounge.

“No, I don’t drink alcohol.” Brynn slumped into one of the deck chairs and stretched out her legs.

“No alcohol at all?”

“No.”

“Is it a religious thing?” Jess asked.

Her question dragged Brynn back to the present. “No, a preference.” She pulled her sunglasses out of the fanny pack and shoved them on her face. “I’m also still in job mode and will be until we disembark. You don’t drink in front of the boss.”

Just as she said that, Liam Bryant, the owner of the yacht, came down the stairs. He was in his early forties, lean and fit, six feet, with dark hair graying at the temples. He carried himself with an air of privilege that was a little off-putting, but he was the client. He smiled as he approached them. “All done?”

“Yes. We just finished,” Brynn said as she got to her feet. “We’re waiting for the lights to cool so we can pack them up.”

“I’m anxious to see the shots. I saw the pictures you took of the marina for Dave Burgin and the brochure you designed for him. The photos were amazing. I think I might be interested in doing something like that, too.”

“I can do that. I’ll download the shots tonight and set up a page so you can view them…after I vet them. I’ll send you a link in a couple of days.”

“Okay.”

“You’ll want to write your own copy about the Aurora and everything you have to offer on her. It will go right along with the slide show of the images on the webpage you plan to do. And if you want some photos to frame, I can print those for you, too.”

“Sounds like a plan. We’ll be docking in about ten minutes. Please have a seat and relax so you can enjoy the last few minutes of the trip. You’ve worked the entire time you’ve been on board.”

“It’s a beautiful vessel, and there’s plenty to do and see on her. And then you’ve got the view of the ocean, the coastline, other vessels. I didn’t want to leave anything out.”

“Then I chose the right photographer. You have all my contact information. Email me the link whenever you have something for me to look at, and we’ll go from there.”

“I will.”

He wandered into the dining room.

Brynn took her seat and a sip of the soft drink she’d poured.

“I guess you were right,” Jess murmured. “You didn’t have wine on your breath when he came down to talk to you.”