Friday, May 16, 2008

Portrait Photography


Model: Miss Ree Ja, Film: Kodak B/W 400

I have come to believe that a positive chemistry and dynamic between the photographer and his subjects can elevate the quality of photos dramatically.
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It might sound obvious but it's very easy to take a good thing for granted or be blinded by production values, concepts and other side elements.
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This specially could be more important in a portrait session, where, the present energy should be what we are after and not our own projections and at times misconceptions about the subjects.
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Subject is there and no matter how hard he/she tries, we can always feel his/her true essence even if for a short while. The challenge is to not only feel that essence, and try to photograph it but also stay true to our own vision, style and perhaps aesthetics.
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In my opinion that is where the balance lays between an artistically charged portrait and a true portrait. Do we value our own vision more than the subject's true personality? And are we gaining much by this sacrifice of truth?
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Depending on our goals and plans the correct answers to those questions would vary from each other...the key is to ask those simple questions before every portrait session.





Model: Miss Ree Ja, Films: Ilford B/W 100 and 3200




Cheers

Wolf







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