models versus friends

A semi-professional model friend of mine was good enough to let me

learn from working with her last week. I'm a student and hobbyist

photographer, with no plans to ever market my work. At the same time,

I am interested enough in the hobby that I don't doubt some day I'll

be paying professional models. Let's call me an amateur art

photographer?

 

Anyway, while working with her, I realized that I haven't been

photographing *models*, I've been photographing my friends, if you can

see the difference. The works I've been creating speak of the

relationship I have with my subject matter. While I always realized

there was a difference between working with professionals and

amateurs, it had never struck me so profoundly.

 

So here's my question. In the upcoming weeks, I'm supposed to be

photographing an acquaintance of mine, partially as an excuse for us

to spend more time together and hopefully become friends, and

partially because I know she's experienced some emotions that I've

never felt and want to try to capture on film (Specifically, the pains

unique to a woman whose beloved is terminally ill). It was always sort

of touchy about how we'd expose this side of her to my camera. Now I'm

thinking that I'd also like to incorporate my recent lessons in the

differences between professional and amateur models. But I'm not quite

sure how to pull all of this together, and am looking for any advice,

or stories about similar experiences.

 

Please don't tell me that I'm biting off more than I can chew. The

point of artistic endeavor is to test your limits.

You worry too much! Just do your best.

Amul, I work almost exclusively with friends and family, but have done some commission work as well. I understand the differences in approach and results that you refer to, but am at a loss as to how to advise you. Relax and remain alert and sensitive to opportunities is the best I can do. Good luck.

models aspire to archetypes, your friend is one... a human being at the cusp of life and death. Spend time with her, and take your camera. Choose a place that has good light and be a friend to her, when opportunities arise, make a photograph. These photographs may become treasured documents of this period in her life, and you have the opportunity to learn a great deal from her. It's an honor that she would invite you to photograph her during this pivotal time... t

I've worked with professional models, and the good ones are great at getting that rapport, so that you feel like you are photographing a freind. In the situation that you are describing, try to observe what she does naturally and work that into the picture. And make sure get her to talk about the things on her mind. Th emotion should ome through.

To capturea part of someone you must explore it with them. They have to take you on their journey. Talk to her . . . a lot.

Let her talk, a lot, and shoot as she talks. Don't worry about getting one picture that says it all. It won't. The real story will be in many picture.

As an amateur, it may be difficult to convey specific meanings in your pictures. Try to get a specific impression of her and how that impression could be conceived visually. It may help to look at other people's portraits and see if you get a feeling for the subject. Try to find what provokes that feeling so that you understand the methods of attaining it. There are visual cues in the posture, direction of the eyes, lighting, and composition that convey emotion. Sometimes you may need to show the picture to someone who doesn't have a preconception of the subject to get an objective opinion. Above all, if you don't get the exact meaning on the first try, <b>keep trying</b>.

Yance,

 

Just out of curiosity, did you look at my portfolio before making this comment?

 

I'd like to hear how well you think I've done so far.

Yes, I looked at the pictures you uploaded to Photo.net. Technically I think you could use some improvement but you have an interesting vision. Contemplation is the best as a single shot but sometimes several photos of one subject gives a better representation of that person.