Creativity in Portaits

Taking a chance in your portrait work can be a daunting step, especially when you are just starting out in the photography world.
I know that when I was a beginner, I was intimidated by all those buttons and dials not to mention the fact that I had a living person waiting patiently for my to say "say cheese". Believe me, I felt the pressure.

I think that for a person to be a successful photographer, no matter how you define that, they must go beyond the technical aspects of making a portrait. A skilled photographer is so comfortable with the mechanics of making an image, that it is second nature. They are thinking more about the subject, lighting, positioning, and ultimate goal.  All that camera "stuff" is assumed. 

Case in point, let's look at this image. I shot this for a personal project on musical instrument makers. Richard here, makes Irish flutes. His business partner (who wasn't available) makes Irish drums, bodhrans.  Beforehand, Richard talked about where he spends part of his time in the production process, his workshop that used to be a garage. He admitted that he has never had a car in here. It's always been a workspace for him.

He also pointed out that the graphic on the exterior is his adaptation of an old Irish fairytale creature, and that he uses it on all his branding material.
To get this image, I had to position two lights. One inside the shop and one outside a small window that he is facing.  The exterior was lit by a cloudy sky.

Once I figured out the mechanical aspects of getting the lights to fire, (optically triggered), I just had to position him properly and wait for the sun to submerge a bit to pull it all together. I was no longer thinking about the camera and flashes once I had established that I was getting the response I wanted. 

Before we entered the space, I had a half-hour chat with Richard about his process and his history. Having this time to become familiar with each other, made the shooting part all the more comfortable. He relaxed and played, I snapped away. I made him a framed 18x22 print that he graciously accepted and loves.

The point is to go beyond the technical before you can truly be a creative photographer. You will be more successful when you think more about the subject and what you are attempting to express. This all comes with practice and with continued observation of the world around you.

I highly advocate the study of art in all forms. Painting, dance, figure studies, sculpture and other forms of creativity and expression. Get your butt down to the local galleries, museums, book shoppes. Whatever it takes. When you find arts that inspire you in any way, ask yourself why they get your creative juices going. Keep a record of some sort and draw from that record in your portrait work. It will serve you well.