So this past week I had a lot of free time, and by that I mean I procrastinated on my work a lot… so I went on different blogs I follow… Pinterest, Stumble Upon, and some other sites. I came across many different articles that I really made me think about the life of a photographer.

With every passing day I realize how much more there is to photography that many people, including myself, give it credit for. As I have talked about before, it requires not only a certain talent and ability, but a sense of responsibility and a strong commitment to the art of documenting life. I realize how brave photographers have to be to take the best, most beautiful, and most influential photographs of their lifetime. Just think about it… people talk about just being in the right place at the right time, but sometimes that requires not only to remember to have your camera at all times, but to be willing to travel and go places where most people simply don’t go.

You have to be daring, willing to take risks… and not be afraid to be called crazy 🙂

Some photographs are just the result of extreme bravery… Check it out right here: http://www.buzzfeed.com/h2/fbso/toyotacamry/photographs-that-were-the-result-of-extraordinary-bravery?b=1#.fgaD5jRn7

Even famous early photographers, like Lewis Hine, went above and beyond to get the right shots for their professional assignments. I’m sure you would recognize some of his photographs

…especially those of the construction of the Empire State Building…

There are many photographs that we see as extraordinary because of the person being portrayed is on the edge of the tallest building of the world, or the scenery is just breathtaking…

Aerial view of Central Park, NYC

But have we ever thought about the person behind the photograph who must have gone through extreme lengths to get that perfect shot. Think about where they had to be, the connections or just luck they must have had to be there at the right time. We all know those famous photographs plastered everywhere, but we tend to forget about the photographers. Thus, I dedicate this post to those who have gone the extra mile to take those daring and extraordinary photographs, whether it was by chance, an assignment, or whatever. I only hope I let myself be more daring for the sake of photography in the short future.

Click here to see the photographers behind those famous photographs: http://www.boredpanda.com/famous-photographer-portraits-behind-photographs-tim-mantoani/

So this time around I decided to talk a little bit about portrait shots because I have been thinking about a personal project to work on. The project I’m considering involves remembering all the people that have made a difference in my life these past 4 years through different portrait photographs. Now the project might become something else, I’m open to suggestions… I haven’t made up my mind yet. But I have been considering it as I am preparing to graduate. It wasn’t until recently though, that I realized how much work it is to photograph people.

Producing a portrait is a kind of a committed partnership between the person being photographed and the photographer. It is a great responsibility to ask of someone to take time out of their workday to simply get their photo taken. However, most people know or at least would like to have their “simple” photo be more than a simple smiling portrait. A portrait is more than a physical representation of someone, is a representation of themselves, their personality, characteristics, hobbies, everything that encompasses their person.

Some of the best portraits always showcase the person in the best light, which may not be them smiling looking straight at the camera; it might be them working, being with their favorite person, animal or even place.

Personally, I love portraits when they look natural rather than posed, when people are just comfortable on their own skin, in the place they are, maybe laughing or talking about something important to them, or maybe looking at something they are interested in. I think such an expressive portrait is such a gift, a memorable conversation and the great reminder captured in a personalized snapshot.

I think this is what makes portrait photography very difficult because it is not only about pointing and shooting; that’s something 1000s of people can do, but only a few select people can take beautiful portraits.

Why do you think you hate to get your picture taken, or why you think you always look awful? (well… at least a good majority of people) Maybe we are vain, maybe we are too harsh on ourselves, maybe we overthink… One thing is for sure, WE. GET. UNCOMFORTABLE. That’s the main reason a photo might look stiff or forced, and why sometimes pictures you take of you and your friends having fun turn out better than your senior portraits… because there is no pressure!

So as a photographer I believe I have a responsibility to give the person the best photo of themselves… So here’s something I’ve learned for anyone trying to take a photo of their friends or family I say… make the person laugh, make them feel comfortable and get them talking so they relax and forget that there is a camera pointed at them.

         

    Emotion, beauty, and personality can only be shown naturally!

Go ahead, go out and take photos, you’ll soon see how even simple photos of your friends being silly turn out so much better.