portrait session that made me think
Today I photographed an artist named Jonah. This was different than any shoot I have had before. I met him at the perfect time in my journey because I am just now starting to question why I photograph. What purpose am I taking pictures of all these people? While I have no answer, he provided me with many things to think about, and that is the best gift of art. To make you think. To ask you questions you either cannot answer or have avoided.
So, why do I take portraits? A part of it is selfish: I photograph to meet people and hear their stories and in doing so, I feel more whole and alive. Everyone has a story to tell - everyone. The question is how do I incorporate and weave my own story in with these stories that I hear and witness. What questions can I ask an audience? In the hour, or two, that I meet, talk, and photograph these people I build a friendship and connection, so I also photograph the connection between the person and myself. I strongly believe that there is always a connection to another human being, regardless of race, age, religion, and so on. Thus, it is important for me to some how represent someone's story, but also weave into the photograph my own story and how we have a connection. I give a piece of me to whoever I photograph and, hopefully, they give a piece of their self to me. A part of who I am today and how I think is because of all the people I have photographed. It is much more than just taking a photo. In fact, thinking about it, I would say taking a photo is secondary to the connection and bond we form in those few hours. The photo is an expression of that connection. During those hours, I learn about life. The problem that I believe I face is that I haven't learned about myself; it has mainly been about trying to portray the other person. I attempted to take myself objectively out of the picture. Truth is, that isn't nearly as interesting. Since I aim to photograph the bond and connection I have with the person, that it is vital to show both the person and myself in the photograph. How I do that? I have no clue!
So, why do I take portraits? A part of it is selfish: I photograph to meet people and hear their stories and in doing so, I feel more whole and alive. Everyone has a story to tell - everyone. The question is how do I incorporate and weave my own story in with these stories that I hear and witness. What questions can I ask an audience? In the hour, or two, that I meet, talk, and photograph these people I build a friendship and connection, so I also photograph the connection between the person and myself. I strongly believe that there is always a connection to another human being, regardless of race, age, religion, and so on. Thus, it is important for me to some how represent someone's story, but also weave into the photograph my own story and how we have a connection. I give a piece of me to whoever I photograph and, hopefully, they give a piece of their self to me. A part of who I am today and how I think is because of all the people I have photographed. It is much more than just taking a photo. In fact, thinking about it, I would say taking a photo is secondary to the connection and bond we form in those few hours. The photo is an expression of that connection. During those hours, I learn about life. The problem that I believe I face is that I haven't learned about myself; it has mainly been about trying to portray the other person. I attempted to take myself objectively out of the picture. Truth is, that isn't nearly as interesting. Since I aim to photograph the bond and connection I have with the person, that it is vital to show both the person and myself in the photograph. How I do that? I have no clue!
posted by nathan at
11:28 PM
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