The relationship between photographer and model is essential, but is often exaggerated in conversations. Many photographers claim that they want to bring out the personality of the person being photographed, to show them as they are. Well, nice try, but the following video shows it quite well: a portrait always involves at least two people, the model and the photographer. The third element you can clearly see here is the story surrounding the person being portrayed, the context. As a photographer, you should therefore perhaps approach a portrait even more superficially, simply look at how someone looks. Really look, because then you (at least I do) always discover great details in the faces that make every picture unique.
But you shouldn’t expect to be able to distil the personality of the person being photographed in the short time you have together for a photo. After all, you only have a brief moment. And my job is to catch the right moment. The one in which you look good and recognize yourself. No more, but also no less.
The photographers in the video “DECOY – A portrait session with a twist” were also played a little badly by Canon Australia, as the model Michael was explicitly presented in a context. It would have been better not to do this and let the photographers find out what he was all about. Michael could then have told the various legends. Because I don’t want to rule out the possibility that one or other colleague might have decided to simply photograph Michael the person. The way he looks, without trying to create connotations or construct a meta-level in the picture.
Personally, I think you should approach portraits more superficially, because that’s what I have first. A face, a façade… everything else comes during the photo shoot, it doesn’t happen in silence.
Ideally, you also have some time, have a drink together first, get to know each other a little. That way, everyone can present themselves to the photographer the way they want to and contribute to the picture, perhaps even manipulate the photographer a little. However, depending on the task, this can also be intentional. This is where the photographer needs to have a sure instinct.
Be that as it may, it’s a pretty good educational piece that inspires your own thoughts on the subject. Perhaps someone would like to add their opinion in a comment?
