Introduction
Photography is a combination of light and life—what is present in front of and behind the lens. It is the art of looking at the surface and within. And the pictures we make are filled with an autobiographical undertone. Since this book and its pictures are a reflection of me, what’s my story? Well, I am a teacher and photographer who loves what I do. But why?
Because the camera is a curious and inquisitive tool that allows us to see more clearly, to get beneath the surface of things and to gain depth and insight that otherwise would have been lost. When photographing people, this is amplified to a whole new degree. Whether creating pictures of the young, the old, or life as it unfolds, the camera guides, deepens, and directs. And the pictures that we have made just get better with the passage of time. Revisit your old photographs and many emotions will surface—grief, joy, nostalgia, or regret. Pictures of people carry a greater weight. There’s a reason we carry people pictures in our wallets and on our smartphones. There’s a reason that people pictures take up more space than any other subject on the pages of all the magazines on the rack.
The beauty of making people pictures is that it enriches life and provides a gift that has a broader reach. Viewing a photograph of a person can endear, excite, infuriate, or even change history’s tide. And this book is about the adventure in practicing and learning how to create compelling and authentic photographs of this kind, whether photographing friends, family, kids, colleagues, coworkers, or those you admire and respect.
The beauty of making people pictures is that it enriches life and provides a gift that has a broader reach.
CARA ROBBINS
For some, the word portrait carries the baggage of preconceived notions with it. Leave that behind. We are going to use the term in its more meaningful form. Rather than niceness or flattery, our pursuit is pictures that contain depth, honesty, connection, expression, and life. We will delve into how to create portraits that are timeless and true. Rather than being limited by a traditional scope, we will explore a range of portraits including lifestyle, candid, or composed.
Such an endeavor requires more than posing techniques and pushing the shutter release. It opens up the possibility to discover insights into the process and the journey of becoming more creative and alive. The goal isn’t a stack of pretty pictures but growth as an artist and a new perspective on life. Accomplishing this will require the courage to try out different ideas, which will include making bold mistakes and bad art.
When I was a child, my artist mom told me that there was no such thing as bad art. I know now that this was a complete lie. Yet it was a lie I needed to hear. It informed me that the goal of art was the creative process of discovery, experimentation, and fun. To this day, I cling to this lie as truth—especially when my pictures don’t turn out right. As photographers, many of us are afraid of art. “Who me, an artist? No, I just take pictures and many of them aren’t even very good.” The same can be said of creativity. “Who me, creative? No, I just tinker and try things out.” I like how Paul Arden counters these excuses and welcomes us all in: “Creativity is imagination and imagination is for everyone.”
This book is a chance to embrace those ideals and to grow as an artist. Who cares if your pictures aren’t perfect? Being an artist is about more than that. The world doesn’t need another Ansel Adams, Annie Leibovitz, or Richard Avedon. The world needs you. Art isn’t only about the end result but about how you got there. Art is about who you are and who you are to become. It involves being curious, inventive, passionate, brave, and bold. Creating art is about giving and getting more from life. The process changes the way we experience everyday life and expands who we are, how we see, and how we use our time. Art is a catalytic force that ignites, creates, and propels. The end result is nothing short of renewal and rebirth. Are you ready to make the leap?
What you are about to encounter are 30 photographic experiments. There is no quicker way to learn than to try something firsthand. Do these exercises by yourself or collaborate with a group or good friend. All that’s required is a camera and natural light.
CARA ROBBINS
The author and his family at their home in Santa Barbara, California.
Nikon D3x, 50mm lens, f/1.2
Each exercise begins with a creative concept or thought and leads to detailed steps that you can follow. At the end of the exercise, you will encounter a suggestion for further inspiration to pursue on your own. All of the pictures in this book, except two that my young daughters made and the family pictures here, were created by me. And each picture was made with natural and available light. In the exercises, I’ve included a variety of pictures that I hope will serve not as examples to follow but as creative lily pads you can use to jump to your own unique vantage point. The exercises are divided up into five sections:
Section I—The Foundation begins with discussing the thoughts, ideas, and concepts that develop the groundwork and set the stage for your photography practice.
Section II—Tell a Story focuses on how we can create pictures that have substance and are filled with a narrative arc.
Section III—Connect explores the importance of making a personal connection with the subject of your frame.
Section IV—Practice Makes Perfect is where you will put your shoulder to the grindstone to hone your skills and try out a variety of formats and techniques.
Section V—Making It Your Own provides you with an opportunity to develop your photographic voice by working on more challenging and rewarding projects.
Make sure to share your ideas and some of your results with other readers at flickr.com/groups/30peoplepictures.
Most importantly, I hope that the exercises will provide you with a vehicle for new ideas and growth that ultimately will further your passion and enjoyment of the art and craft of photography.
—Chris Orwig