Photo Tips - Comfort Zones
This is a small piece about the interaction between photographer and model. I believe that many people are really pressured by having their photo taken. They fear the result and lose composure. I beleive it is very important for photograhers to be aware of this and bring calm to the situation.
Photo Tips - Comfort Zones belongs to the following groups:
Empowered Beauty Workshops, Melbourne & Victoria, model beginnings. and The Artistic NudeBelieve that in photography as in life people seem more intent on living in comfort zones than taking risks. When a camera is pointed at people they invariably feel uncomfortable. However also in society we tend to put up false appearances to pretend we are strong and calm. Therefore often in a photography session there will be an uncomfortable energy present between photographer and model that will be hidden by the model’s physical mask.
For most photographers photographing nature or architecture is far more relaxing than photographing a person, especially an adult. I believe it is because of the consciousness that communicates very strongly between people. A flower is not silently rushing you or feeling uncomfortable when you aim a camera at it. It has no desperation for a perceived result. However many people will be uncomfortable and if they are controlling about their comfort levels a strong energy will be sent out. In some this will be submissive but in others they may even send you anger at putting them under such discomfort. Many times this anger is sent out unconsciously.
I believe it is so important for photographers to be aware of this energy transfer. To really be careful to not get drawn into the energy drama that can occur when the subject feels uncomfortable. One of the best ways to do this is to train yourself to be self aware whenever you feel discomfort. To then with this awareness slow yourself down and avoid panic and rush. If you can do this then you will ease the discomfort of even the most controlling and stressful subject.
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BYRON
I agree.
As an artist I think it is important to our own growth that we step outside of our comfort zones from time to time. Try something that is difficult artistically and personally.
BYRON
In relation to your philosophy of energy tranference… you are definitely onto something.
Uncle Ansel once said that a photograph says as much if not more about the photographer than the subject. And I think this is especially true in the case of portraiture. How you are feeling and behaving will naturally effect how the subject responds, and importantly vica versa.
The concept of “detachement” which was used by photographers for generations meant that the photographer would not interact in any meaningful way with their subject in order to capture their “true” essence.
In the 1950-1960 American photographer famously railed against that doctrine and began interacting with her subjects. She wanted to know them as people first before she would take their image.
Quite often she would form relationships over periods of time with her subjects without taking their image. It wasn’t until she felt she truly knew the person that she could produce their image.
As a result she produced images that were landmarks in portrait photography, of a style and nature that had not been seen before, because of the relationships she fostered and the energy transfered between herself and her subjects.
EmpoweredBeauty replied 29 days ago
Really fascinated with your thinking Byron. I have looked at detachment and feel it is empowering so long as we still hold passion for externals. Detatching by protecting and blocking externals to me just creates more pain as the external will sense the block and feel rejected at some level. I am forever talking about true essence in all aspects of life. I adore the true essence of humans but get really frustrated with human nature and how we don’t trust each other and further prefer to protect rather than search each other and life to find trust. Thanks also for the link..I am going to check it out now.
BYRON
ooops, edit… The American Photographer I was refering to was Diane Arbus
kerfern 21 days ago
Thanks Tony! as a hobby photographer starting out on portraits, i really feel the stress some time! This definitely sums it up and teaches me to take a breather and slow the flow =)
EmpoweredBeauty replied 20 days ago
Thanks for your feedback. Think in all of life we should aim to enjoy ourselves. However if you are like me the more you value an activity the more you tense up.