Portrait – Page 7 – Photogeek Blog

Couch trip

Few things bring us as much comfort as that old familiar couch. Back in my Hell’s Kitchen days I had this old green couch that was so long, two people could sleep on it comfortably without even being in the same area code as one another. These days I’ve got a nice brown micro suede couch that, though not as long, is quite comfortable and inviting. From time to time when I have a client over I break from the set and backgrounds and head for the couch. Most people take to it like they are in their own homes while others approach it rather gingerly. Perhaps thinking “What does he have in mind?” The results when lit just right are magic. I hereby dedicate this post to “The Couch”.

Fridays Session

Beauty

This past Friday I had a fun session with Denise and Kelly. I had asked Kelly if she would help me out on a little project I was working on and she was cool enough to indulge me. I might Kelly a few years ago through my friend Denise so it was a no brainer that she’s be coming along. As of late I have been using a black seamless background almost exclusively but sometimes worry that it might be a little too stark. I had seen a number of pictures of Kelly on her facebook page wearing some colorful dresses. That combined with her beautiful red hair would pop against the black and somewhat harsh background. I also wanted to get some cool, dramatic black and whites. Having Denise along for the session was great and helped add to the fun atmosphere. Towards the end of the session Denise snapped a few shots that were really nice. We’ve been debating which ones were actually hers but I’m willing to take her down for copyright. Thanks to both of them for making the beginning of the holiday weekend a blast.

It’s all about the eyes.

Portraiture

Everyone has their own interpretation of beauty and rightfully so. For me it’s always been about the eyes. Last week I worked with a woman who completely reenforced that feeling in me. The chemistry between Maria and I was almost instant. For someone who had never had never worked with a photographer she was incredibly instinctive, natural and beautiful on so many levels. Maria had sent me a few pictures of herself prior to our meeting and I was moved by what beautiful eyes she had. Upon meeting her I quickly realized the photos were just a small sampling of that. Maria’s beauty coupled with her amazing personality and quick wit made my job incredibly easy job. Early on in the session I was posing her and making suggestions but within minutes I had basically become a bystander who just happened to be lucky enough to have a camera. I’m hoping Maria comes back to the studio soon with that pretty pink dress she was telling me about. That would be a fun session to work on together.

Smoke ’em if ya got ’em!!!

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Sometimes an idea comes along for a fun or off the wall photo session. Other times I just like to take silly pictures of friends. This moth I’ve got plans to combine the two. The idea is pretty simple . Find some of my favorite personalities and see ho they perform in non-typical roles. Whenever I come up with a concept or idea for a project I usually have a strong visual picture of what I want to achieve. I almost always have certain people in mind. Who would fit best with the ideas I’m trying to convey. Some say no. Some take some coaxing and there are people like Mandy that are almost certainly willing to contribute. Jeez, I’ve known Mandy more than half my life. She’s one of my closest friends and someone I can always turn to. Her energy, sense of humor and giving nature are infectious. Whenever I have a show or need help on one of my projects she always says “Sure, anything to get to see you.” Now I know I’m cool. But I ain’t that cool. She’s always been there for me through the good times and the bad. No questions asked. The truest definition of a friend. I’m really glad I got to start this silly project on a high note. Thanks love.

Todays Picture

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Today i had the pleasure of meeting and working with Mary. She’s a student and aspiring singer/songwriter with an infectious sense of humor. It’s always a pleasure working with people who make you laugh and can laugh at themselves. While out on the fire escape I opened up about my fear of grates and bridges. How I was terrified I would fall through the grates or the whole fire escape would come unscrewed and plunge us to our death. She continued to reassure me by rocking back and fourth while laughing uncontrollably. When I told her about my Olive phobia she nearly lost it. Prior to the shoot I decided to set up my muslin background as opposed to my seamless. Immediately afterward I decided on going back to seamless. Thanks Mary, I had a blast. Now stop laughing at me.

Looking for inspiration.

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People have always been the inspiration for me wanting to become a photographer. It was my way of overcoming my shyness and insecurities when it came to meeting and talking to people. When I’m shooting portraits I am at my best both socially and artistically. As I went through the pictures I’d been taking over the last couple of weeks I felt very little inspiration or satisfaction. As I looked closer I realized the missing ingredient…..people. Sure I love landscapes and scenery. Even a flower or two. But the thing that brings photography to life the most for me is people. That is what I’ve been missing. I go through these down phases where I get social anxiety and I have trouble communicating. I kind of broke out of that today and got to introducing myself to some new people and getting some possible future shoots. Along the way I met a local named Ziggy and his dog Lu Lu. I also got to talking to this guitarist who upon putting a dollar in his guitar case played Alice in Chains “Rooster” for me. It was a beautiful day out weather wise. We haven’t been getting a whole lot of those around here these days. Maybe this is the beginning of a good stretch in both the weather and better pictures. One can only hope.