The Portrait in Journalism...At What Cost?....some things to consider;
-When you think of a portrait don't think of it as formal
-Visual reportage can have a positive or negative effect on the people you are documenting. How is the image going to affect the subject?
-some cultures/people believe that you are stealing their soul when you take their image. There is a need to respect this belief.
-Does your behaviour as a photographer affect those people you are making pictures of? And do people change the way they really are when they are being photographed?
-How are you portraying a subject?
-Some photo journalists 'may numb themselves to the feeling of those they photograph under the authoritative role they play as 'eyewitness' for humankind.' You can either feel for the subject or block it all off and just get the job done.
-Some riots have been started because of a photojournalist's presence,people people 'act up' for the camera. People may change the way they act for the camera.
-Who are these images for? Generally, they are for an affluent, educated audience. But because the Internet is being acceded by less wealthy members of society, this market is expanding, This is a good thing for photojournalists who believe certain stories need to be told.
The photojournalists portrait
-Photojournalists;s shoot both posed and candid shots.
-First contact - often you only have a few minutes to connet with the person you are photographing.
-Yu have to direct them, you will have to interract in some way and tell whem what to do (boss them!) so you will be gettiung posed portrait.
-Ask questions. be clever. Think how you can bring people out of themselves.
-Often during posted portrait shoots, you'll have candid moments that look better.
You have 5 minutes to get inside the mind of the person you are photographing...how do you do it?
-Talk to them, listen to them or let someone else talk eg. a journalist and you shoot while they are being interviewed. "how about you just chat to this person while I take a few photos..."
-Look them in the eye
-go about your way getting things ready and chat to them while you are setting up.
-Ask them questions or comment ontheir home or work etc "where would you like to be photographed? what is yur favorite room in this house?"
-Be honest. Show respect.
-Let them be themselves. Ask them where they would like to be photographed. Or do they want to sit or stand? Do they need to touch up their hair or make up? If they dont know then maybe ask them where they like to sit etc,
-Start shooting them as they are, then keep talking to them, dont pose them right at the start. Gain their trust in your as a photographer.
-Wait. If they are self conscious after a while they will get bored and relax.
-Say your taking 'test shots' and then shoot them off, and these could often be good.
-When you are close to the end of the shoot say that its finished but then take a few more because they will have let their guard down.
-Learn their language, culture, formalities...respect.
Body Language
-Hands help to tell the story. The way people use their hands can tell a lot about them
-Look at the way people stand or sit.
-psychology is a big part of photography
-Lying: hand to face contact becomes increased...especially nose rubbing and mouth covering. Lips may become thinner, eye contact can weaken, brow may tighten.
-Mistrust: do people cross their legs towards you or away from you? Towards, trust, away, dont.
-Emotion and controlling emotion. biting the lower lip shows both emotion and control (bill Clinton did it 15 times in 2 minutes during the Monica Lewinsky confession).
-Lots of books and things on the Internet about body language but the best thing is to watch people's body language in real life.
Light...use it to tell the story
-Understand light and the effect it may have. Light from the side gives shape and depth, can accentuate emotion.
Look for light.
-On arriving at the job take a moment to study the light.
-Smoke
-Silhouettes
Composition and impact
-Where you position the person in the image can change the impact or add drama (or take it away) Eg. Rock star/theatre performer etc on the edge of the image adding suspense vs. a conservative elderly person sitting in a cane chair in the middle of the image.
-Close up = intimacy vs full body portrait may reveal more if you are looking at body language and background setting.
-Keep the background clear or use a wide aperture to blur the background and lift the person forward. A cluttered background is distracting.
-sometimes a prop can help tell the story. For example, getting the sitter to hold a family picture in a frame. Be careful not to make the picture contrived.
"the eyes are the window to the soul"
Plan your portrait if you have time
-Research
-Preconceive the idea, have a plan and always be flexible and don't be afraid to throw out your original idea if you see something better when you get to the shoot.
Encvironmental portrait
-Releals alot more about the person you are photographing. Tells the viewer alot more about the person and the enironment they work in.
-Use a wide angle. 24 mm?
The photographer and the photographed, an important relationship.
-how do you make sure the person you are photographinh stays natural?
-Question your own motices, and look at all aspects ofthe job in front of you.
\-Once your very sure about your own motives or ethics, you will become a better photographer becauce you will be more confident.
-Why are some people happy to be photographed and others refuse? Can you change someone's mind who doeent want to be photographed?
-When do you keep shooting and when do you stop to help someone in need?
-when can you give the images away? Copyright boundaries. Do you agree to show the person the pictures before they are published? (Generally you dont "its not upto me, i give a selection to the editor and they decide"
-At the end of the day, it takes time to establish a good relationship with the person you are photographic.
-How emotionally involved do you get? Remember Kevin Carter.
-RESPECT.
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