Reluctance

We are not unwilling, hesitant or disinclined. Rather, in this particular situation, I was a reluctant cowgirl, a self-professed city slicker, and Joe was a reluctant portraiture photographer.

I was in Calgary, Alberta on business and had the opportunity to collaborate with Joe. Joe is the face behind the camera, the visionary behind Joe Pors Photography, with a mission to capture the memories that could vanish in a moment. Joe’s reluctance was in branching out from his comfort zone, in capturing landscape and architecture beauty, and transforming his keen sense of imagery onto live subjects (models).

I’ve marvelled at Calgary’s backdrop, an area of foothills and prairie with its beautiful mountainous views; I’ve experienced how Calgary strives in ‘making life better every day’ through political, social and economic strategies; and I’ve longed to be a cowgirl amongst the crowd to witness the Calgary Stampede, ‘the greatest outdoor show on earth’.

As an actress or a model, in the traditional medium of the theatre or in modern media such as film, radio, and television, I often portray a character or represent a role to promote or advocate something as a visual aid for intended purposes. Joe suggested I portray a cowgirl. I suppose I wish it had been more than just posing with a cowboy hat; by example, I wished Joe could have captured me herding cattle or working on a ranch, but truth be told – that’s not really the life I want to live – it’s only a life I dream about, and experience once-in-awhile.

That once-in-awhile is what led me to Calgary, this time. I had recently taken on a new client who was championing the voice of farms, feedlots, and livestock sustainability. We had worked on a strategy to engage with government and Canada’s livestock industry; we’d provided input on proposed regulations that affect producers; and we were creating and raising awareness about issues in farming and the agriculture industry through communication with all orders of government. My client was the real thing… he wasn’t unwilling, hesitant or disinclined - and I will be forever grateful he allowed me the opportunity to be a reluctant cowgirl, if only for a minute.

Joe and I overcame our reluctance too, by laughing our way through the photoshoot. 

“A smile can change someone’s entire day, and this one certainly did. 

Such a beautiful soul and even gentler laugh.” ~Joe Pors

Thank you to everyone who has ever extended a positive affirmation my way in helping me overcome my reluctance to do something. If I can ‘pay-it-forward’, I will.

Follow us on Instagram:              @Jacqueline Biollo | @porsjoe

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Jacqueline Biollo is a leading authority on innovative business solutions, political strategy, and community engagement; Jacqueline has been involved in theatrical performances for over 30 years including one-act plays, commercials, improv, and scripted performances; and is an experienced runway, published fashion and editorial model with years of exposure posing for various designers, photographers, and genres.