The “Ask a Click Pro” series is a monthly feature designed to inspire photographers and enthusiasts by asking experienced photographers a single question each month. These professionals, known as Click Pros, share their personal insights, experiences, and creative aspirations. The answers reveal not only their photographic preferences but also their deeper connections to the subjects they choose to capture. This approach encourages readers to think about what photography means to them and what motivates their creative vision.
This edition focuses on a particularly evocative question: If you could photograph any subject, what or who would it be and why? The responses provide a glimpse into the diverse perspectives and emotional ties photographers have with their work, highlighting the unique stories behind each image.
Laurie Yuenger: Capturing Childhood and Cultural Exploration
Laurie Yuenger, from Illinois, shares a love for photographing young children — newborns, babies, and toddlers. These subjects fascinate her because of their innocence and the fleeting moments that define early life. Laurie’s desire extends beyond local portraiture; she dreams of traveling to small, remote villages in foreign countries. Her goal is to photograph the local people, their lifestyle, and the surrounding scenery.
This ambition illustrates a longing not only to capture beautiful images but also to document cultures that might be underrepresented or overlooked. Laurie’s vision is rooted in storytelling through photography, using the lens to bridge gaps between distant worlds and viewers’ understanding. By focusing on both the personal and the cultural, she embraces photography as a tool for connection and preservation.
Jen Bebb: The Story Told by a Century of Life
Jen Bebb, a photographer based in British Columbia, is drawn to the quiet, enduring beauty found in the lives of people who have reached the milestone age of 100 years or more. While many photographers gravitate toward youth, fashion, or fleeting trends, Jen’s vision turns toward time itself—toward faces that have weathered a century of change, hardship, joy, and evolution.
For Jen, the choice to photograph centenarians is not just a creative decision; it’s a philosophical one. She sees each face as a living archive, each wrinkle as a sentence in a story still being written. Her fascination lies not just in the aesthetics of age, but in the deep, unspoken histories that reside in the eyes of those who have seen an entire era unfold.
A Portrait of Resilience
Photographing centenarians is about more than just documenting a face; it’s about capturing presence, essence, and resilience. Jen views these individuals not as relics of the past, but as witnesses to an incredible breadth of human experience—from world wars and technological revolutions to personal triumphs, heartbreaks, and ordinary days that add up to a lifetime.
“I don’t just want to photograph what they look like,” Jen explains. “I want to capture what they’ve lived through—what it means to survive and thrive across generations. There’s so much grace and wisdom in those final chapters.”
Each portrait session is approached with deep reverence and care. Jen takes the time to learn about her subjects—where they were born, what they did for work, who they loved, what they’ve lost. These conversations inform the photograph, shaping not only how she positions her subject but also the emotional tone she brings into the frame.
The Language of Light and Shadow
Jen’s approach to photographing centenarians is rooted in subtlety. She uses soft, directional lighting to accentuate texture and form without dramatizing. The gentle interplay of light and shadow on skin that has seen a hundred years allows her to emphasize both vulnerability and strength.
She avoids overly retouched or stylized images, preferring authenticity. Every line, every mark, every glint in the eye is left untouched—evidence of a life fully lived. Her portraits evoke a sense of timelessness. The viewer is invited not just to look at a person, but to feel the passage of time in the image itself.
There is a quiet intimacy to Jen’s portraits. The expressions she captures are often contemplative—soft smiles, faraway gazes, and eyes filled with both fatigue and wonder. These aren't grand or performative poses; they are rooted in stillness, in the kind of presence that only age can teach.
Honoring Legacy Through Imagery
Jen’s work with centenarians also serves a greater purpose: to honor legacy. Many of her subjects are the last living members of their generation, their stories undocumented and at risk of being forgotten. By photographing them, she gives families a gift—something they can hold onto, pass down, and cherish.
Beyond personal memory, these portraits also have cultural value. They become visual records of history—not the kind found in textbooks, but in personal, human experiences. In this way, Jen’s work intersects with oral tradition and visual anthropology, preserving the everyday heroism of ordinary people.
A Call to Pause and Reflect
In an age of fast-paced content and fleeting attention spans, Jen Bebb’s portraits ask us to slow down. They challenge us to consider what it means to grow old, what we value as a society, and how we honor the generations who came before us.
Her images invite reflection: What will our faces say when we've lived for 100 years? What stories will we carry in our eyes? Who will take the time to listen?
Through her camera, Jen gives voice to those who may no longer speak loudly but have so much to say. Her portraits are not just images; they are acts of preservation, respect, and love—quiet tributes to the human spirit and the power of time.
Alana Rasbach: Documenting a Quiet, Rural Life
Alana Rasbach from Tennessee chooses a very specific subject: Wendell Berry and his wife Tanya, at their home on a sprawling farm. Alana admires Wendell Berry’s writings and lifestyle, which emphasize simplicity, connection to the land, and a slower pace of life. She envisions documenting their daily existence on the 100-plus acre farm.
This desire to capture a quiet rural life speaks to a broader trend among photographers who seek to preserve the essence of traditional lifestyles. In a world increasingly dominated by urbanization and technology, Alana’s project would serve as a visual reminder of the value in farming, nature, and a sustainable way of living. Her photography would likely explore themes of harmony, stewardship, and the bond between humans and the earth.
Cassandra O’Leary: Exploring Exotic Landscapes and Nature
Cassandra O’Leary, living in Japan, chooses landscapes and nature in exotic locations as her ideal photographic subjects. She sees photography as both a creative pursuit and an opportunity to travel, discover new places, and enjoy the visual richness of diverse environments.
Her choice highlights the appeal of natural beauty and the challenge of capturing its transient qualities. Photography becomes a way to freeze moments of awe and wonder in time, bringing the viewer closer to faraway lands. Cassandra’s approach underscores the power of the camera to reveal the grandeur and intricacy of the natural world, inspiring curiosity and appreciation.
Jodie Waldroup: A Personal Tribute Through Photography
Jodie Waldroup from Tennessee takes a deeply personal angle. Her dream subject would be her mother, who passed away in 2005. Jodie says she never had the opportunity to take a proper portrait of her mom — no carefully lit photo, no intentional setting — just casual snapshots. If she could photograph anyone, it would be her mother, simply and beautifully, just as she was.
Jodie’s response reminds us of the emotional power of photography. Her wish to preserve a meaningful memory through a professional portrait underscores how photography can be a form of healing, tribute, and remembrance. It speaks to a universal desire: to hold onto those we love, even after they’re gone, and to celebrate their presence in our lives through lasting imagery.
Julie Moses: The Spirit of the American West
Julie Moses, based in New Mexico, is deeply captivated by the enduring, authentic spirit of the American West. While popular media often romanticizes cowboys in slick, stylized portrayals, Julie’s vision moves in the opposite direction—toward truth, tradition, and the raw beauty of rural life. Her photographic passion lies in capturing the people who still embody this legacy: real cowboys and ranchers who live and work the land every day, often far from the trappings of modern life.
A Passion for Preserving the Real West
For Julie, photographing cowboys isn’t about nostalgia or aesthetic alone—it’s about cultural preservation. She understands that this way of life is slowly vanishing, impacted by urbanization, economic shifts, climate change, and evolving societal values. Ranching families who once passed down skills and land through generations now face increasing pressures that threaten their livelihoods. Documenting their lives through photography becomes a way to honor their legacy and draw attention to the complexities they face.
“I don’t want to photograph a costume,” Julie explains. “I want to photograph a way of being—what it means to live off the land, to rise with the sun, to value hard work and tradition. These aren’t just characters. They’re real people with stories that deserve to be told.”
Capturing Grit and Grace
Julie’s photographic style mirrors the subjects she chooses: straightforward, honest, and reverent. She is drawn to texture and light—the way dust swirls behind a horse’s hooves in the golden hour, or how worn leather tells the story of decades spent riding across the same landscape. Her images often juxtapose strength with tenderness, grit with grace.
She captures weathered hands holding reins, the quiet dignity in a cowboy’s gaze, and the unspoken bonds between people and animals. Her work is less about staged scenes and more about real, unfiltered moments—early morning feedings, branding season, or shared stories around a campfire.
By focusing on these intimate, everyday moments, Julie reveals the humanity and humility at the heart of this lifestyle. Her photography becomes a visual narrative—a kind of modern folklore—that highlights resilience, community, and a profound respect for the land.
A Deeper Connection to Place
Living in New Mexico, Julie is immersed in the very landscape she loves to document. The wide skies, red clay earth, and vast open ranges are not just backgrounds—they’re characters in her images. Her deep connection to this land informs her approach, allowing her to work with a sense of authenticity and trust when photographing ranching families and communities.
She often spends time getting to know her subjects before bringing out the camera. This rapport enables her to capture more than just faces—it allows her to photograph trust, pride, and sometimes struggle. “Photography,” she says, “is about listening with your eyes. You have to slow down enough to truly see.”
Elevating Everyday Heroes
Ultimately, Julie Moses uses her photography to shine a light on everyday heroes—people who ask for no recognition but live lives full of quiet strength and unwavering resolve. Through her lens, viewers are invited into a world that still values honor, work ethic, and a deep-rooted connection to nature.
Her work serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of the American West, not as a fading myth, but as a living, breathing culture that still survives in pockets of the country. By documenting it now, Julie ensures that future generations will not only remember this way of life but understand it.
Photography as Passion, Purpose, and Memory
Each photographer featured in this edition of “Ask a Click Pro” brings a unique perspective to the question of who or what they would most love to photograph. Whether it's a tribute to a lost loved one, the quiet life of a rural poet, the vibrancy of distant landscapes, or the resilience of cultural traditions, their answers reveal how photography goes beyond aesthetics.
This monthly series serves as a source of creative inspiration and reflection. It encourages readers to think not just about what they shoot — but why. The power of photography lies not only in capturing a moment, but in preserving stories, honoring legacies, and celebrating life in all its forms.
Reflecting on Your Own Photography Journey
The “Ask a Click Pro” series not only highlights the inspiring answers from experienced photographers but also invites every reader and aspiring photographer to ask themselves the same question: If you could photograph any subject, what or who would it be and why?
This simple yet profound question encourages deeper thought about personal motivations and artistic goals. It challenges photographers to consider what truly moves them — whether it’s capturing the beauty of nature, telling stories through portraits, preserving memories of loved ones, or exploring cultures and lifestyles that are unfamiliar.
Photography as a Tool for Connection and Storytelling
Across the responses, a clear pattern emerges: photography is more than just a craft or a hobby. It is a tool for connection, empathy, and storytelling. Each photographer’s choice reveals an emotional or intellectual tie to their subject, whether that connection is rooted in family, culture, history, or nature.
By contemplating your own “ideal subject,” you can uncover what drives your creative vision. Are you drawn to people and their stories? Are you fascinated by the landscapes that shape our world? Or do you find inspiration in the fleeting moments of everyday life?
Encouragement to Explore and Experiment
The series also serves as encouragement to experiment. Sometimes the subjects we least expect can become our greatest sources of inspiration. Photography invites us to explore, try new perspectives, and push our creative boundaries.
Whether you are just beginning your photographic journey or you are a seasoned pro, reflecting on your ideal subject can rejuvenate your passion and guide your next project.
Invitation to Participate
As part of the ongoing “Ask a Click Pro” series, readers are often invited to share their own answers and photographs. Engaging with a community of photographers can provide new insights and inspiration, sparking conversations that enrich everyone’s artistic practice.
The Impact of “Ask a Click Pro” on the Photography Community
Since its inception, the “Ask a Click Pro” series has become much more than just a monthly Q&A; it has evolved into a dynamic and interactive platform that fosters a sense of belonging among photographers at all stages of their creative journeys. By spotlighting a diverse range of voices—from emerging talents to seasoned veterans—the series encourages a richer dialogue about what photography means on both personal and professional levels.
Building Bridges Between Photographers
One of the most profound impacts of the series is its ability to build bridges between photographers of various genres, styles, and experiences. Photography is often perceived as a solitary art form, where artists work independently behind their lenses. However, “Ask a Click Pro” showcases how photography is also deeply communal. Sharing answers to a common question creates a virtual space where ideas flow freely, inspiring others to reflect, learn, and grow.
Each featured photographer’s story becomes a point of connection, allowing readers to recognize shared challenges, passions, and dreams. Whether it’s the universal desire to capture fleeting moments or the urge to document stories that might otherwise go untold, these personal revelations foster empathy and camaraderie.
Inspiring Creative Risk-Taking
By revealing the unique subjects that inspire different photographers, the series challenges readers to step outside their comfort zones. For example, Laurie Yuenger’s aspiration to photograph remote villages or Julie Moses’ focus on the traditional cowboy lifestyle may introduce readers to unfamiliar subjects or styles. This exposure encourages experimentation, helping photographers discover new avenues for creativity.
In this way, “Ask a Click Pro” is not just about the answers themselves but about the ripple effect they create. As photographers explore new ideas inspired by their peers, the overall photographic community becomes more vibrant and innovative.
Photography as a Transformative Art Form
Photography is often described as the art of seeing—of noticing moments others might overlook. But beyond that, it is a profoundly transformative practice. Through the lens, photographers learn to slow down, observe deeply, and appreciate the nuances of life’s fleeting moments.
The Power to Preserve Memory and Identity
One of the recurring themes in the series is photography’s role in preserving memory and identity. Jodie Waldroup’s heartfelt desire to photograph her late mother speaks to the universal human need to hold onto loved ones and to immortalize their presence. Photography becomes a tangible link between past and present, a means to honor stories that might otherwise fade.
Similarly, Jen Bebb’s fascination with centenarians highlights photography’s ability to capture the essence of a lifetime within a single frame. These portraits serve as visual archives, bearing witness to histories lived and lessons learned. In this way, photography transcends mere aesthetics to become a vessel of cultural memory and legacy.
Storytelling Across Cultures and Time
Photography also functions as a bridge across cultures and generations. Laurie Yuenger’s dream of photographing small villages in distant countries emphasizes how photographs can introduce viewers to worlds beyond their own, fostering understanding and appreciation.
By documenting traditions, landscapes, and people on the margins, photographers contribute to a global narrative that celebrates diversity while preserving fragile ways of life. Through images, stories of resilience, hope, and change travel across borders, enriching the collective human experience.
Community Building Through Shared Stories
The “Ask a Click Pro” series illustrates how photography is not only about individual expression but also about building and sustaining communities. By inviting photographers to share their motivations and experiences, it creates a network where mentorship, encouragement, and dialogue thrive.
Learning from Diverse Perspectives
Engaging with diverse voices exposes photographers to a wide range of experiences and viewpoints. For instance, Cassandra O’Leary’s work in Japan introduces elements of travel and landscape photography rooted in a specific cultural context, while Alana Rasbach’s rural Tennessee farm scenes celebrate simplicity and connection to nature.
This diversity enriches the community, reminding photographers that there is no single path or style that defines success. It encourages mutual respect for different approaches and the stories that drive them.
Encouraging Mentorship and Growth
The series also fosters a spirit of mentorship. By reading the insights of established photographers, newcomers gain valuable lessons and inspiration that can accelerate their development. Meanwhile, seasoned pros are reminded of the fresh perspectives emerging within the field.
This exchange creates a vibrant ecosystem where knowledge is shared freely, helping to nurture the next generation of photographers who will carry the art form forward.
Guidance for Photographers: Engaging Meaningfully with Your Craft
The reflections shared in “Ask a Click Pro” serve as more than just inspiration—they offer practical guidance for photographers seeking to deepen their engagement with their art.
Find Your Why
At the heart of each photographer’s answer is a “why.” Understanding why you are drawn to certain subjects or styles is crucial for developing a coherent body of work. Are you motivated by a desire to tell untold stories? Do you seek to document change, preserve memory, or explore beauty?
Taking time to reflect on your motivations can clarify your creative vision and help you make intentional choices in your work.
Embrace Storytelling
Photography is a powerful storytelling tool. Rather than simply capturing images, think about the stories you want to tell through your photos. What emotions, experiences, or ideas do you want to convey?
Consider how composition, lighting, and subject choice can work together to create narratives that resonate with viewers on a deeper level.
Be Open to Exploration
The photographers featured in the series demonstrate the value of exploring different subjects and approaches. Don’t be afraid to experiment with new techniques, genres, or themes. Exploration can lead to unexpected discoveries that enrich your practice and keep your work fresh.
Build Community
Seek out opportunities to connect with other photographers. Share your work, exchange feedback, and participate in discussions like those sparked by “Ask a Click Pro.” Community engagement provides support, inspiration, and accountability.
Looking Ahead: Expanding the Reach and Influence of “Ask a Click Pro”
As “Ask a Click Pro” moves forward, the vision is to expand both the diversity of voices featured and the ways in which the series engages its audience.
Inclusion of Emerging and Underrepresented Voices
A key goal is to include more photographers from underrepresented backgrounds, including different cultures, genders, and photographic disciplines. Their unique perspectives will enrich the conversation, offering fresh insights and challenging conventional narratives within photography.
Interactive Platforms and Workshops
Future editions may include live Q&A sessions, workshops, or virtual meetups where photographers can interact directly with featured Click Pros. These interactive formats would deepen learning and foster stronger community bonds.
Multimedia Storytelling
Expanding the series to include video interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and photo essays will create a richer, more immersive experience. This multimedia approach allows viewers to connect more deeply with the photographers and their work.
Final Thoughts
The “Ask a Click Pro” series ultimately celebrates photography as a lifelong journey—a continuous process of discovery, reflection, and creation. Each image is a moment frozen in time, shaped by the photographer’s vision, experiences, and emotions.
By sharing their answers, the featured photographers invite us to reflect on our own creative paths, encouraging us to seek subjects that resonate deeply and to use our craft as a means of connection, expression, and preservation.
Photography is not just about capturing light; it is about illuminating the stories that make us human. It reminds us that every frame holds the potential to inspire, educate, and move the world.