haleym77 wrote:
These are wonderful! I love how the first one shows female strength and the second one shows a compassionate spirit in a man. Neat juxtaposition from tradition!
I'm particularly gratified by this comment.
One of the challenges that I've considered every time I photograph a female officer is the visual language of strength and the visual language of femininity. Photographs both inform and are informed by our current social mores, and there is a lot of cultural baggage associated with the "correct" way to light, pose, etc. The most obvious and straightforward example is that both men and women often prefer photographs of women with a downward angle (where do most women hold the camera for "selfies?"). However, we look UP to heroes and leaders. Another example: classic feminine posing runs the body and head in opposing directions, which visually creates elegance by elongating the neck but perhaps but doesn't scream "decisive." Men are nearly always posed with head and shoulders in the same direction. I've spent countless hours studying imagery of female leaders in various arenas attempting to learn how to photograph a woman in a way that respects her femininity but also shows strength, leadership, and decisiveness.
So I appreciate that you noticed her "female strength," which is both an accurate depiction of the subject and also very much a goal of mine for the shoot.
GoodEgg wrote:
I like that these are *not* classic military portraits. These reveal the inner peace these potential warriors may be feeling. I specially like the dream I see in her upward look (#1).
In my line of work, I see plenty of official military/civilian portraits. They are usually competent, but the regulations are so tight there's not much room for creative expression.
Nicely done Evan! By the way, judging by your avatar, you must have served with SF. If so, what SF units did you serve with? I served with the 10th SF Group at Fort Devens, MA (1973-74) and then with SF Detachment Europe at Det A, Berlin Brigade (1974-79).
friscoron wrote:
Is it possible that your B&W military portraits just keep getting better? These are both masterful. Great job, and thanks for sharing!
YES THEY ARE!!
As we discussed Evan...body position -strength-upward shot.... The arm on the table...my 1945 portrait did the same...
Dan
Dan
I really like these portraits, especially the first for the lighting and tones. Love your work, and that transition to film adds something extra to the portraits
The arm on the table...my 1945 portrait did the same...