HOME | DD

scopeoflight In reply to Hathnowitz [2007-05-28 13:35:48 +0000 UTC]

I hate giving directions. It is one of my greatest weaknesses. I try to give a minimal amount: look here, tilt your head, shift to the right...etc. I don't like saying things like "pretend to be angry" or "look sad" because it isn't natural. If the chemistry between us works then things have a way of working out and my camera captures that if it is there...

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

Hathnowitz In reply to scopeoflight [2007-06-04 00:41:49 +0000 UTC]

I know what you mean, even though I'm not a photographer. That is one reason why I love Arnold Genthe's portraits so much. He had a way of conversing with the subjects and snapping the shutter just when the expression was perfect. The only reason I know that is from studying the photos of his at the Library of Congress website. The people look like they are being talked into their expression indirectly,the men as well as the women, although Genthe had a unique and well documented "way" with women.
I don't think you can tell someone to "act" and get good results very often. You have to invite them into the emotion you want.
There was a famous photographer who made the most well-known portrait of Winston Churchill. I'm sure you know the photo, and I'm sorry I can't think of his name at this time.
At the session, Sir Winston's expressions were not coming through too well, so this fellow came up with a plan. He demanded that Churchill remove his cigar, as it was obscuring the focus, or some such thing. Churchill gave him such a mean stare at the very idea he should have to remove his cigar, that it was the truly resolute expression the photographer was looking for. The look is perfectly defiant and is the one we remember today. Think about it. Sometimes being too logical and being to straightforward gets no results at all. You have to play with people, cajole people, and lead them into some state of confidence or the lack thereof, where you can obtain truly creative results. I'm sure you know that. The real problem is getting the needed experience with it, without losing heart. Keep trying, though, because you have the natural gift anyway. It's just a matter of refining it.

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

scopeoflight In reply to Hathnowitz [2007-06-11 23:26:04 +0000 UTC]

But sometimes it is so easy to get discouraged...why is it that in this field so much depends on who you know and not what you know and can do?

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

Hathnowitz In reply to scopeoflight [2007-06-15 02:00:27 +0000 UTC]

Gee, it's just like in music! Lol! Seriously, it's true in every field, especially where subjective standards hold sway. Some of it's natural, because people feel more comfortable hiring their friends and people they know, as opposed to strangers. The rest of it is just petty power grabbing, of course. Take heart in knowing that the more good will and dedication we bring to our projects, the better the outcome. Beautiful work will always have it's appreciators.

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

scopeoflight In reply to Muskeg [2007-04-29 13:14:41 +0000 UTC]

thank you! she's a jewel to work with!

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

scopeoflight In reply to Siubhan [2007-04-29 06:41:48 +0000 UTC]

thanks! i love this one too. can't wait to upload more of them

👍: 0 ⏩: 0