Sometimes the Passing of Time is a Good Thing

I often don't notice the passing of time. Sure my daughter continues to grow up too fast, and everyone (but me) looks a little bit older with every passing year. But it struck me recently, when I ran into one of my first portrait clients, that there is at least one good thing about the passage of time.


Penny stopped me while I was out on a walk to ask if I was available to shoot her portrait right away. My first reaction was to think that "she can't need another portrait already, why we just did her last one 1...2...3...4...?? 4 years ago?" Well truthfully, it didn't seem possible. She hasn't changed, and I haven't changed. But my skills and experience have. They have in fact gotten better with time!

When Penny arrived at the studio, I asked if she had any suggestions for a different look. "Well," she admitted, "I want this portrait to look a little more friendly and approachable." In fact, she confided that someone had commented that her old portrait looked a bit like an "Ice Queen."


Looking back at the portrait we did in 2007 (and knowing Penny to be the warm person she is) I had to agree. My idea on that original portrait was to make her look professional. I accomplished that with the pose, but she also looks stiff. Looking at the picture again, I also notice that I didn't have real command of my lighting setup. I blew out the highlights on Penny's blonde hair, and there's an odd shadow falling across her nose.


For Penny's new portrait, I used a much softer lighting setup, and a pose that made her look much more approachable. I also realized that being more comfortable as a photographer, I could concentrate more on making my subject comfortable as well. I think the changes in my skill are noticeable when you compare the two photographs side by side. I was happy with the results, and so was my client. Take a look at the comparison, and tell me what you think.

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Marriage in the Time of iPhones

I photographed a really fun wedding last weekend for friends Miki & Joey. I think I must be getting old though. I haven't been to a lot of weddings in the last five years, but things seem to have changed. And not for the better.


Before the ceremony, there was an announcement to "please turn off or silence your phones." Okay, that made sense...of course there was that one person who didn't and we all knew it when their phone started loudly playing "Cocomo" during the ceremony while they fumbled around trying to turn it off.

But I digress. What I want to comment on is the growing number of people who feel the need to document every moment of their existence. During the ceremony, I counted about ten people taking photos and video with their phones. I swear a few of them never actually looked at the ceremony except on  the screen of their iPhone. I mean, really? What ever happened to just being there and enjoying the moment?


So as the official photographer, there I was moving around the room, trying to be unobtrusive as I sought out a variety of good angles to capture the beautiful ceremony. All the while I was working around people holding their phones over their heads to get good video, or even getting out of their seats and duck-walking up the aisle to get a good photo. Oh yeah, and cue the guy with the phone that plays "Cocomo" for the second time in a 20- minute ceremony!


As a photographer, I know I'm often guilty of hiding behind my camera and not simply enjoying life au naturel. But as I grow more aware of the ever present nature of smart phones, I'll remind myself as I now remind you readers...


Please put the camera down occasionally and just appreciate the feeling of being part of the life that's happening around you. If you miss something, I'm sure somebody else got a picture and you'll likely find it on Facebook in five minutes!

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There is a Message (and Sunshine) Out There!

I find that I am not very inspired to take pictures (or do much of anything) when the weather is grey and damp. Thank goodness I could escape for a short while to the #Palm Springs Photo Festival last month. This was my first trip to the festival, and proved to be a great opportunity to recharge those creative batteries, and refocus on the business and marketing side of things. (Did I mention there was also lots of sunshine out there?)

When I wasn’t enjoying the sun, I learned a few things in Palm Springs, and met some great people. The most important message I’m bringing back and delivering to you is this -- marketing is hard, but necessary. Even for artists! Although my professional background is in marketing, I don’t do well marketing my own work. This is one of the hardest things for most of us. And it just might be the magic that separates successful artists from the millions who toil in obscurity.

My advice is to learn everything you can about marketing, and apply it to your work and your life.

Here’s just one quick lesson on “branding.” It’s a buzz-word that’s been around a long time, and it really just means creating an identity that encompasses everything from the colors a company uses, its logo, dress style of its employees, and lots, lots more. It’s about consciously presenting an image that helps people remember you in a positive way, and makes a positive association to whatever it is you have to sell. And yes, artists do have something to sell!

I took the adjoining picture on Palm Canyon Drive. And while the gentleman with the flag may have a powerful message to communicate, his lack of branding hurts the delivery of his message. First of all, dressing as a tourist may make him appear less threatening, but makes it hard to take him seriously. Let’s focus on his sign: The slogan is not bad “Help Save American’t.” Catchy! But the hand-written font is hard to read, the choice of color is weak, and taping his banner to an old Ron Paul campaign sign undermines its importance.  I considered giving him some advice, but it turns out the guy was a little crazy and just wanted to ramble on about the state of the country. For him, ignorance of branding is bliss, and I’m not sure I want to help him to more effectively deliver his message.

You’re different. Think about the way you present your work. From the style of display you use, to the style you wear, your business card, website, etc, etc. Everything about you makes an impression on how people remember you and your work. We can all do better. And being aware of that is the first step to improving.

Online Image Stolen and Now Viral!

Just wanted to post a short update on my earlier copyright posting.

Really interesting story making the rounds about an Israeli photographer whose picture was stolen and went absolutely viral. Whatever your feelings about an artist's right to his or her own work, this is worth taking a look at just to understand the times we're living in. As always, my opinion is if your work is important to you, slap a copyright on it before you put it online.

VIDEO HERE:
http://vimeo.com/20718237

How Much Self Should Be in a Self Portrait?

I don’t spend much time in front of the camera. Even for family events I’m often behind the camera and have to be reminded to pose for somebody else’s pictures. So what’s an inveterate behind-the-scenes person to do when the need arises for a “good” picture of them?

It’s self-portrait time!

As I put more of my work out in the world for art shows, contests, and publication, many ask for an artist bio that includes a photo of the artist. I did this for the first time last year. I set up the scene, set the camera on a tripod, and had my wife snap the shutter. I rather liked the result, but I got feedback that it was difficult to see what I looked like. (Thinking back, I’m pretty sure this was partly on purpose.)

The headshot

I decided this year it was time to try a close-up picture that showed more detail. This prospect was a little scary for me. (Knowing that no portrait is complete ‘till it spends time in Photoshop eased that fear a bit). After a recent portrait session, I sent the client on his way and took my seat under the lights with my trusty camera remote. I hadn’t had this kind of portrait done since college, and I was a bit surprised how much the results looked like a school portrait. A little self-conscious looking, for sure…but overall not a bad photo. I took a more playful take from that session, and adjusted the contrast, converted to black and white, and got results I liked even better.

An artsy alternative

For my last self-portrait try, I decided to use a technique I’d wanted to experiment with for a while. Using a slide projector as my main light source, I set myself in the path of a projected slide and shot five or six takes. The results are cinematic, and very much to my liking.  But maybe too far back in the direction of not showing enough facial detail.

All in all, this exercise in self-portraiture was a good experience, and I think it will improve how I shoot portraits of others. I encourage other photographers to try this yourself. But for anyone who needs a business portrait, find out how great a professional photographer can make you look.

By the way, if you have an opinion on my self-portraits, please share your comments below or visit my website at jacksonscott.com