Project One 2010
“My work is directed towards bringing out the strength and personality of my male clients and the charm and beauty of my female subjects” ~ Yousuf Karsh
Working with new and different people everyday isn’t always an easy task. As a photographer, not only are you seen as a visual artist, you are seen as a technical expert, a light expert, and a storyteller. What most people don’t expect, and which is often left out is that you should also be a good conversationalist. Any photographer who has been in the business will say that people skills are crucial, and it could be the difference between a good portrait and an amazing portrait.
I’ve met many photographers, from beginners to professionals who always seem to discuss the newest advances in the industry whether it be Canon’s new camera or Adobe’s newest update. That’s fine and dandy folks, but “people skills” are a must too. It just as important as your newest thingy-ma-jig piece of equipment. If this is a weak point in your photography then you have to practice, practice, and practice. You need to be able to work and coax your subjects into a desirable state that represents your vision. You need to make them feel at home.
For example, for myself, I have always been a huge street photography fan, but at the beginning I was hesitant to take photos in public places. I didn’t want to attract attention and I was afraid that people would be offended by me sticking a camera in their face. Many were and still are, and that’s reality, hec I would probably be offended but if you don’t take risks and put yourself out there then you won’t be going anywhere and that applies to life in general. Get out of that safety net and explore. Leave your insecurites at the door!
With that being said explore with some caution : P I was at a protest in Europe a few years ago and the crowd started throwing wine bottles at the police and I was on the police side!!!! I felt like I was back in elementary school playing dodge ball, so I decided to be smart and join the protesters, but eventually they started getting a little crazy smashing windows and lighting fires. We were all happily tear-gassed by the police. It was frantic! Oh man, cracks me up when I think about it…yes explore but with some caution.
Some things that have worked for me:
1) To be genuinely interested in the people you are photographing. Be curious and ask questions. Taking someone’s photo is a personal intimate exchange! Don’t get caught up with “I’m the photographer, and he or she is the subject” mentality, it will hinder your work. For example, your family and friends are good subjects (in theory) because it blurs this mentality and makes it easier for you to take their photo, but sooner or later you’ll be meeting new faces on a regular basis and you’ll need to establish a similar comfort level with your subjects in a short period of time and that’s not easy. Being genuinely interested opens doors!
2) You should always know a little bit about the people you are photographing, and the more the better. If you can find a common point between you and the person you are photographing then even better! It could help set the tone of your session and serve as great conversation starters. I usually talk about whatever comes to my mind and improvise along the way. I play off the person I’m photographing. Trust me I wasn’t born with this quality, and I had to practice too. After awhile it becomes second nature.
3) Stay informed and be knowledgeable. You should know what is happening in your town, city or country so when you meet the person you are photographing you are able to hold a conversation if a topic arises. I’m not saying you have to constantly stay informed, but if you know you’ll be meeting someone in a few days then read up on what is happening. News, fashion trends, sports, music, upcoming concerts in town etc! It will help establish a connection between you and your subject. Stay updated!!
4) Use props! Using props seems to ease the tension of being photographed and distracts the subject from your camera. If you are taking a portrait shot of a guitar player then tell them to bring something music related, it will make them feel more natural. If not, then be creative and bring something you think could work, it could save your day!
Project One for 2010: I’m looking for photographers to photograph!! I want take your portrait!! If you are up for it then please let me know and I’ll give you more information : )
