I readily admit that there are many times that I get wrapped up in the technical aspects of photography and lighting in particular: I love playing with the science involved with creating images. I was involved with a shoot yesterday that proved to be a subtle, yet powerful reminder that it’s the art that drives the passion behind photography. I’ve had a studio of some sort for almost 30 years and I’ve created images for a professional market for more than half that time. Walking into my studio is like walking into my living room--it’s my comfort zone. I was reminded yesterday that creating images--just for the pure beauty of creating art from what started out as an empty room is an awesome experience.
My buddy Max has helped me out on numerous occasions--both in the studio and on location shoots. Max owns and runs his own scuba diving company on Oahu called Manini Dive Company Hawaii. He is not a newcomer to photography by any means. However, most of his photography takes place underwater. He and I have had many many conversations about the differences between light underwater and light on land as well as creating the light you want with strobes an other light modifiers. Max finally took me up on my offer to share the studio for a day and for me to HIS assistant for a change.
Max has always been an artist and has been a photographer since high school. He had a shot in mind that he wanted to create that would use a fairly harsh lighting scheme to emulate the glamour lighting and formal portraiture of the 1940’s. He found his perfect model for his vision and Elizabeth was willing to sit for her first time in front of a professional camera. Melissa Hurley agreed to do the make-up for the shoot and a project was launched.
Max always puts his all into everything he does. His vision was to create a formal portrait of a young lady in a classic cocktail dress, so he showed up at my condo to load up the camera gear dressed to the nines in black slacks, a white button down shirt and black tie! Setting the mood an be a very important piece of the creative process!
Max and I both photographed Elizabeth in each of two sets. We took a quick look at the images before leaving the studio. Max half-jokingly stated that he thought that he had captured better images of Elizabeth than I had. It was meant as a light-hearted jab at his old friend, but I have to agree after a more careful review of the images. There is nothing wrong wit my images: I got some nice images of a very pretty young lady. Max’ images images show--well--they show his passion!
What’s the lesson to be learned here? The ability to create the images you want--whether it is underwater, outside on land, or in a studio is an awesome treat. Take every opportunity to do so that comes your way--and Proceed With Passion.
Max's images used with permission. All rights reserved.
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