BRAINS behind the Camera

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Archive 2008 · BRAINS behind the Camera

Chris Sorensen
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p.2 #1 · BRAINS behind the Camera

#1 for me, and it's not on your list, is getting the model relaxed and comfortable. Regardless of all the technical issues, it is exponentially more difficult to get a good shot if your model is not natural and relaxed in front of the camera. You can have all the technicals perfect and a stiff, posy model or 'say cheese' smile will ruin it. Conversely, a shot can have imperfections galore, but if it has that spark, that magic in the model, people won't even notice the imperfections. Well, except FMers.

And then #2, what Steve said: Please don't let me suck today.

Nov 09, 2008 at 08:37 PM

dmacmillan
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p.2 #2 · BRAINS behind the Camera

Steady Hand wrote:

Most important for me is the "expression" of the person and that is a fleeting and momentary thing. It truly can change in an instant and I have to watch carefully for that moment. ONCE I see it...click. Once it has been seen...it rarely ever comes again.

So...I like to keep things simple. And I suggest that too.

Hence you will often find me say "simple suggestion." Usually focused on reducing complexity whenever possible.

I hope these comments help and encourage you.

Steady is absolutely on target.

I think a good portrait photographer has to be an excellent technician, but you better have all the technical details sorted out before the session begins. That frees you up to engage your subject.

I guess I'm a posing minimalist. I have never cared for the cheesy 50's/60's poses. Each person has their own body rhythm. Instead of trying to impose a bunch of rules (weight on this or that foot, etc.), I observe the natural body movements of the subject. If you're observant and intuitive, you'll instantly notice when they relax. Once relaxed, they'll fall into poses that are right for them. I may offer a little guidance to "clean up" the pose, but that's about it. I never touch my subject, there's no need and Americans are usually very uncomfortable being touched by those they don't know well.

I think one key element has nothing to do with photography technique. The photographer has to be comfortable in their own skin. We give off a ton of non-verbal cues unconsciously. Our subjects pick up these cues subconsciously. I can learn a lot about someone by observing them interact with babies, small children and cats! The reaction of the aforementioned also speaks volumes. From the work I've seen of Steady, I think he has that quality. His subjects reflect this in their openness. Phil (pflitz) also seems to have this quality as reflected in his work.

Doug

Nov 10, 2008 at 03:04 PM

dmacmillan
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p.2 #3 · BRAINS behind the Camera

Pfiltz wrote:

That's A LOT of info... I'm making notes...

Every day I learn more and more.

Doug

Nov 10, 2008 at 03:10 PM


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