At Photo Camp you will find many willing portrait subjects! (Photography by Jen Baxter)
Greetings Photography Friends,
I hope you are enjoying your summer where ever it takes you. Last week I was visiting family and thinking a lot about people photography.
My father was a portrait and wedding photographer during my childhood. My first jobs were framing and hanging photographs in his studio. Now when visiting Dad we spend much of our time together looking at and making photos. Above all, he loves photos of people (and selfie sessions with his grandchildren).
Photographing people offers a world of possibilities; from the mystery of photographing those you’ve never met before, to the awesome feeling of capturing portraits of your friends, family, or loved ones.
Of course, we’ll be exploring these concepts at Firefly Institute. And guess what? As of TODAY we have 90 DAYS TO GO UNTIL FIRST DAY OF CAMP! Camp is filled with opportunities to learn and practice different approaches to photographing people. Let's look at a few.
PHOTO JOURNALISM
Taking Pictures of Those You Don’t Know, in a Place You’re Not From…
When I asked Annie Griffiths what she’d like to teach all our campers, she didn’t hesitate, “taking pictures of people.”
Photography by Annie Griffiths
Annie says photographers often start by taking pictures of landscapes, and then move on to photograph their family members. Taking pictures of others–maybe even strangers–can be a tough step to take.
But when you do take the leap, you have endless opportunities at your fingertips. Photo journalism holds a special wonder, because when you take pictures of those who are unfamiliar, you embark on a new and unexpected journey in your art.
Luckily for us, Annie will share her techniques on photo journalism in an all-camp class.
SELF PORTRAITURE
The Art of Taking Pictures of Yourself
Do you encourage (plead) others to let you photograph them without ever turning your lens on yourself? Why not take your own advice–play a role, think deeply about something, do something you love–and take your own picture! You will likely be surprised by the endless fascination and valuable information self-portraiture offers.
Brooke Shaden self portrait
Our camp self-portrait specialists are Brooke Shaden & Meghan Davidson: While they have beautifully contrasting styles, Brooke Shaden and Meghan Davidson have both focused much of their work on exploring style and self through photography. Brooke often places herself in fantastical settings and Meghan explores the reality of who she is in the moment.
Check out our interviews with Brooke and Meghan on our blog!
PEOPLE IN A SETTING
Bringing the Environment into Your Portrait
Sometimes you are in a fabulous setting with the people you love most. There is so much to consider; the landscape, the faces, the light, and the mood. There is an art to bringing all these elements together to tell the story.
Two of our camp instructors focus on people in settings.
Laurie Klein
Photography by Laurie Klein
In her striking portraiture work, Laurie Klein demonstrates her singular dedication to vision, craft, and something she calls “photographic excavation”. Early in her career she studied with Ansel Adams, learning his techniques, dedication to craft, and most of all, the possibility of a profession filled with passion.
Keep an eye out for our upcoming interview with Laurie!
Michelle Turner
Photography by Michelle Turner
An accomplished portrait and wedding photographer, Michelle Turner has an incredible skill for keeping the light on both the people, and their impressive setting. She teaches lighting classes; focusing on lighting people in a variety of places and situations.
WE’LL SEE YOU SOON!!
What are your favorite people photographs to take? Do you love seeking out new and exciting situations where you don’t know anyone? Do you love taking self-portraits? While you’re out there experimenting this summer–don’t forget to follow your curiosity, style, and heart.
Here’s to the photographic adventures ahead! See you in JUST 90 DAYS, camp begins October 11TH!
If you haven’t yet signed up for camp: Register Now!
Cheers,
Your Camp Director, Pam Sogge