Hi Mark, lovely print. It’s a hundred years since I developed and printed from film; fascinating to read how you worked in this image, so different from digital which - I confess - is what I work in these days.
Thank you Glen. The darkroom is a good place to be. Digital is photography just like analogue. Just a different tool. Ever thought of going back in time? Do you miss the smell of fix in the morning?
Can't say I miss the fix, but I did get my hands recently on the camera I had lusted after as a young man, but couldn't afford - a Nikon F - which has had me wondering whether to try film again :-)
Mark, do you find yourself gravitate toward a particular distance from your subjects as you photograph? I assume each situation is different, of course. But I sense that you are more of a "respectful distance" kind of a photographer than an "in your face, unwarranted intimacy" kind of photographer. I think of Dorothea Lange starting far away from Florence Thompson (aka "Migrant Mother") and moving closer shot by shot until arriving at the tight close-up we all recognize.
Is it best to start further away moving in with each click of the shutter? to help put the person at ease so they can see what's happening and maybe it helps reassure them before I move in close. By which time they are relaxed and ready for the lens up close and me in their personal space. Chances are that they've never had someone approach them to do anything like this before whereas I've have done this plenty of times and still get nervous. I think nerves are a good thing and can be used effectively. I'm showing my nerves, my insecurities and I do think sometimes this puts them in control rather than me and almost helps someone say yes to a photo. I think this helps show honesty and being genuine, I've nothing to hide.
I think this is really important when taking portraits of strangers and something I think about all the time. I've tried various techniques, apart from saying "watch the birdie" or "say cheese" the goal is to have the person at ease and relaxed, even if I'm not. Having said that, sometimes if someone is standing awkwardly and clearly uncomfortably it can bring a certain tension to the image which has worked well for me a few times.
The portrait of Kieran, he's standing there with an awkwardness that I really like. I took 5 frames on that occasion and started from far away before moving in for the closer shots. I captured his awkward stance before he had time to relax. Would I have got that shot if I had broken the ice with closeups before moving away? Probably not.
Hi Mark, lovely print. It’s a hundred years since I developed and printed from film; fascinating to read how you worked in this image, so different from digital which - I confess - is what I work in these days.
Thank you Glen. The darkroom is a good place to be. Digital is photography just like analogue. Just a different tool. Ever thought of going back in time? Do you miss the smell of fix in the morning?
Can't say I miss the fix, but I did get my hands recently on the camera I had lusted after as a young man, but couldn't afford - a Nikon F - which has had me wondering whether to try film again :-)
An absolute classic! Worth putting a roll through it for old times sake.
Hello Mark, thanks for sharing that photo. I’ve just followed your Instagram with some wonderful portraits
Thank you, really appreciate it!
Mark, do you find yourself gravitate toward a particular distance from your subjects as you photograph? I assume each situation is different, of course. But I sense that you are more of a "respectful distance" kind of a photographer than an "in your face, unwarranted intimacy" kind of photographer. I think of Dorothea Lange starting far away from Florence Thompson (aka "Migrant Mother") and moving closer shot by shot until arriving at the tight close-up we all recognize.
I think about this often. Should I start from a distance before moving in closer? Or start off with a close up and back away?
I posted this last month — https://substack.com/@markmoran/note/c-124795068
Is it best to start further away moving in with each click of the shutter? to help put the person at ease so they can see what's happening and maybe it helps reassure them before I move in close. By which time they are relaxed and ready for the lens up close and me in their personal space. Chances are that they've never had someone approach them to do anything like this before whereas I've have done this plenty of times and still get nervous. I think nerves are a good thing and can be used effectively. I'm showing my nerves, my insecurities and I do think sometimes this puts them in control rather than me and almost helps someone say yes to a photo. I think this helps show honesty and being genuine, I've nothing to hide.
I think this is really important when taking portraits of strangers and something I think about all the time. I've tried various techniques, apart from saying "watch the birdie" or "say cheese" the goal is to have the person at ease and relaxed, even if I'm not. Having said that, sometimes if someone is standing awkwardly and clearly uncomfortably it can bring a certain tension to the image which has worked well for me a few times.
The portrait of Kieran, he's standing there with an awkwardness that I really like. I took 5 frames on that occasion and started from far away before moving in for the closer shots. I captured his awkward stance before he had time to relax. Would I have got that shot if I had broken the ice with closeups before moving away? Probably not.
Here's Kieran — https://substack.com/@markmoran/note/c-102550569