A year ago today I arrived in
South Carolina and after driving through Myrtle Beach (which I did not like,) I
stopped at Brookgreen Gardens in Murrell's Inlet. It was my first visit to an
old plantation site. Brookgreen is one of the top gardens in the country. Paths
wind amid and to various gardens. Beautiful sculptures are set at strategic
points. Eventually the paths lead to trails along the river and old rice
fields. There is a labyrinth by the river where I sat and wrote a poem.
Brookgreen Gardens is a wonderful
place to visit and one of the places I’d like to see again. I saw, up close, my
first moss-laden trees and at that point, still did not know what kind of trees
they were. It was wonderful to wander the paths and trails after escaping the
cold and snow of New Hampshire and even though it was winter, there were some
flowers blooming. I also enjoyed that the place wasn’t crowded. I only saw half
a dozen people the whole time I was there and never all in one place.
I traveled for 33 days and never
took photos of people. People. I have no wish to be a portrait photographer,
but there are times when I want to include humans in my works. Work cannot
always be about scenery and “things.” I realized later when writing about my
trip that I really missed out not having any pictures of some of the people I
met. Why is it so hard for me to photograph them?
What I am finding about
photography is that there are many layers. I like to use the analogy of hats.
As with many aspects of life and the wearing of many hats, I also have more
than one hat for photography. I look at things with a different mindset
depending on what I am shooting. For instance, if I am shooting scenery to be
used as prints, I am seeking certain elements; one hat. If I am considering a
scene for a charcoal drawing, I have to pay attention to values and how it will
transform to a drawing; a second hat.
There are other considerations in
photographing people. It’s not only what I am thinking about the situation, but
what they are feeling. Permissions need to be obtained. Yes, there are those
out there who will take pictures anytime, anywhere, and of anybody. I
personally think that’s an invasion of privacy. The only time I will consider
taking a picture of someone without permission is if no one could specifically
know who that person is.
Here, one hat is for my work with
the InterTown Record where I am photographing people for interviews or at
events. It’s important to have pictures of people in the newspaper. People like
to see people in the news. There’s also the fact that people deserve to be
recognized when they accomplish something or participate in an event. Most
people like to have a chance to get their picture in the paper and, for the
most part, newspapers are often a little grainy and the photos not real clear
so any “flaws” can be blamed on the print. Usually verbal permission is okay
for this and I must remember to also ask for Facebook photos as the newspaper
has a page. Some people don’t mind the newspaper, but don’t want their photos
on Facebook. I totally respect people’s wishes.
Hat two for portrait photography
is a whole different ballgame. Permissions are given more reluctantly. “What do
you want a picture of me for?” People are doubtful, leery, distrusting. My
answer is, “Because someday I want to do a book of people I’ve found
interesting.” Does that cut it with them? No, not really. Even in my own mind,
I struggle with this, but I do find many people totally fascinating. There’s
something in their demeanor, facial expressions, body language. At this part,
it isn’t about them personally and that’s hard to explain without sounding
insulting. It IS about them and it isn’t. And here, there could possibly be yet
another hat with the second for photography of a person with a generic title
like “Woman Thinking” and the third for photos with the person’s name and a bit
of a story about them.
So, what’s the problem? Many don’t
like photos of themselves. They think they look horrible in pictures. Granted,
not everyone is movie star beautiful, but there is character and life to a
person. I used to say, “If there are no photos of you, who will know you were
here?” But often they stubbornly believe the picture will be awful. It’s that
whole skewed notion of what we are taught about beauty. I see beauty in many
things that others do not. As a matter of fact, I prefer taking pictures of
older people. Yes, I’ve done some nice shots of children, especially the
grandchildren, but there’s something about older people. There’s more character
in their faces. There’s years of life experience. It’s also about capturing an
essence… again, hard to explain.
I prefer that people not look
directly at the camera nor do I like side shots. Profiles are not usually
flattering. I will hold my arm out to
the side and tell them to look towards my hand. I want to capture a moment and
although there is a bit of a pose because of sitting for the camera, I want a
natural look. I also don’t think it necessary for the subject to always be
smiling. I like the contemplative looks.
It’s important to get a good
picture. If not, I will not keep it. I see people as beautiful. It’s also about
accepting who we are. THIS is who I am and this is what I look like! I want to
be accepted as I am and I believe in accepting others as they are.
So my goals are to:
1. Take courage and approach
people; learn how to talk to them; ask to photograph them
2. Be able to explain, convince
that I mean well and I am respectful
3. Allow that there will be
refusals (which I am okay with and I already do this)
4. Remember to get written
permissions
5. Take more people pictures for
the someday book
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