In spite of that, these images do reflect some things we are learning in the class to increase connection with subjects and get natural emotional responses from them. Brooke has introduced us to a concept called Beloved Photography, which she gratefully acknowledges learning from Jesh De Rox. It is all about trying to help those we photograph actually HAVE beautiful, meaningful emotional experiences during a shoot rather than only LOOKING as if they are having those experiences. I as photographer am challenged, through invitations and other interactions, to enliven the imaginations of my subjects and help them actually feel love, happiness, bliss, peace, joy and the like. Then what I capture on their faces will not only be genuine, but the images will have much more impact because they will be a record of a truly happy time rather than just a contrived representation of an actual relationship.
I like this idea a lot and I believe in it. I love photography because of the impact of images, and my goal has always been to try and help people see themselves as they really are. I already do all I can to try and convince people that the photo session should be a happy, low-stress time. I already strive to get out of my comfort zone and actually talk to people in meaningful ways. I have started using interviews as a way to know more about folks and have real things to talk about.
But it is HARD. It takes time and a shift from outcome-based photography (what will they like?) to experiential photography(who are they and what is going on right now?). The goal is not to pose everyone just for the purpose of getting at least one image that is good enough to put on the wall, the goal is to engage the subjects and capture a few moments of actual living.
So, here are a couple of shots each from my last several shoots that give me glimpses of what's possible through meaningful photography, the kind of shoots where both I am and those I photograph are completely present in the moment. As Brooke is trying to teach us, I felt things while I was capturing these moments, so hopefully that will help you the viewer to feel things when you look at them.
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This one used Brooke's game of having the boy run into the frame. It worked like a charm-I love this one. |
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This family was easy. I just followed them around a lake and watched them adore their little girl. I hardly had to say anything. |
Hi Kellie!
ReplyDeleteGreat notes on what has worked for you with these families. I have found pre-teen boys to be the hardest! It is so cool that you were able to get some images of him opening up. I love the interaction in all of them!