A little while back I put out a request to the world for some people who wouldn't mind me trying out a new idea on them. 7 agreed.
The thoughts behind it all...
When shooting portraits I normally talk a lot, and I encourage others to talk too. This generally gets people to relax. However, sometimes I find the best way to get a good expression or feeling from someone is to stop that chat, and just wait. They start off not quite knowing what to do, they look shy, smile, laugh, pull an amazing awkward face, or give you the best silent look. So many interesting things occur when I stop talking.
This got me thinking: what if I didn't talk at all during a photoshoot. From the moment my subject enters the room to the moment they leave I wont say anything - I'll just stay quiet and see what happens.
Katy was the last person into the room...
See the first person into the room here: Will
See the second person into the room here: Paul
See the third person into the room here: Keir
See the fourth person into the room here: Sophie
See the fifth person into the room here: Emily
See the sixth person into the room here: Olga
A massive thanks to all those who took part in this project. It was totally fascinating to be part of. Most of all I learnt about people and interaction, and the fact that the way I behave, move and direct on a shoot is just as important, if not more important, than what I say. I also learnt that being with someone in a strange and unique situation can instantly make you feel like friends. You've shared something together and have something to connect you more than normal polite conversation. This is how a portrait shoot should be, I want to learn about others and get closer to others and show this in my photographs of them. The better I can get to know someone the better photos I can take of them.
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Labels: personal, portrait, silent
