i have spent copious amounts of time the past few months researching the art of photography, portraiture in particular. i have been both inspired and challenged through the process, and discovered some fabulous creatives from whom i draw ideas, tips and a wealth of information. recently, i think i may actually have spent more time learning about being a photographer than actually being one. this, i think, is an incredibly important process for me (and anyone pursuing photography as a profession).
it is one thing to know how to use one's camera to shoot pictures, but "picture taking" is more than simply point and shoot. composition is a huge part of professional portrait photography (or any photography for that matter) and many believe you either have an eye for it or you don't. there are formula's to follow such as the two-thirds rule (position your subject in two thirds of the frame rather than dead center) but i think composition is broader than anything a formula can "imagine." one must consider color, background, lighting, and angle (amongst others things) in addition to the position of the subject... and there is artistic perspective. composition is what makes photography an art form. the most important part, however, of portraiture photography is that one must be able to have fun and engage with their subject on a very relational level, providing a natural and comfortable environment during the photo session!
interacting with people comfortably and being relational with them can be learned, i guess... but in a recent conversation with a landscape photographer it became apparent that professional portrait photographers not only need to be gifted artists, but one needs to enjoy and find life through the interaction with people - this has to be an avenue for joy for the photographer to be creative and inspired while "taking pictures." One might conclude then that in order to capture those authentic moments and relational dynamics unique to a couple or family, or to locate the inner joy of an individual during a photo session one needs to inspired by their subject... portrait photographers need to be passionate about people as well as photography!
this is what i think anyway :)
*This featured photo is from my 2007 trip to the Philippines. Click here to view more images.
it is one thing to know how to use one's camera to shoot pictures, but "picture taking" is more than simply point and shoot. composition is a huge part of professional portrait photography (or any photography for that matter) and many believe you either have an eye for it or you don't. there are formula's to follow such as the two-thirds rule (position your subject in two thirds of the frame rather than dead center) but i think composition is broader than anything a formula can "imagine." one must consider color, background, lighting, and angle (amongst others things) in addition to the position of the subject... and there is artistic perspective. composition is what makes photography an art form. the most important part, however, of portraiture photography is that one must be able to have fun and engage with their subject on a very relational level, providing a natural and comfortable environment during the photo session!
interacting with people comfortably and being relational with them can be learned, i guess... but in a recent conversation with a landscape photographer it became apparent that professional portrait photographers not only need to be gifted artists, but one needs to enjoy and find life through the interaction with people - this has to be an avenue for joy for the photographer to be creative and inspired while "taking pictures." One might conclude then that in order to capture those authentic moments and relational dynamics unique to a couple or family, or to locate the inner joy of an individual during a photo session one needs to inspired by their subject... portrait photographers need to be passionate about people as well as photography!
this is what i think anyway :)
*This featured photo is from my 2007 trip to the Philippines. Click here to view more images.
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