Freedom to Create
A lot of the work I do has some sort of restrictions, expectations or specifications. Whether it be time or location or client needs. As a business person, I get that and I accept that. However, that can be a bit stifling when the artist wants to come out to play.
I've said it many times before, I have such a great location where my workspace is located. The light is great, the space is great, the colors and textures are all fantastic. So, when I have the time to "just shoot" and a super friendly local model to work with, well, that adds up to artistic freedom. I recently had that opportunity model Keri and had a fantastic, laid back, fun shoot.
I've had the pleasure to work with Keri on a couple of occasions and she is just a gem to work with. Great look, great smile, super easy to work with and I'm pretty sure she can't take a bad photo
I don't always get the chance to work with many of the models I've photographed more than once. When the opportunity arises, it is fantastic. First off, I already have a bit of an idea of how that person works. I also don't have to work through introductions and first time jitters. There is just a huge gain in time, productivity and the freedom to get right to the creativity.
The same is true of a place you've worked in many times. Where you have a feel for how the light is going to work. Where colors are going to play well. How certain locations or angles will allow you to set a certain mood. That's the way I feel about the Goss Opera House. It doesn't matter what time of year, or what time of day, there is always a place for me to capture a great image.
Having this great comfort level of working with a model I've worked with before in a location that I know very well lets me let loose and see how the light impacts me. How a different angle changes a mood. How similar or dissimilar things can blend in a composition. Pure artistic freedom.
Another fun thing to play with is taking essentially the same shot and then with post processing create a completely different feel. Like in the next two photos.
All in all, a very rewarding day and a really nice change of pace. Much thanks go to Keri for being so generous with her time and her willingness to work with me in a really unstructured way.
Days like these allow me to really stretch my creative muscles and make me that much better when I am working on jobs for business clients or individuals.
If you are a business or individual that needs advertising or marketing photos that involve people, I do have access to a large pool of models and actors through my association with the Academie Agencie. Especially for my local clients, there is no reason to think that just because we live in a small community that we can't do big things with our advertising and marketing. Please give me a shout anytime.
If you are someone that has an interest in modeling (or a parent of someone interested in modeling), please feel free to let me know. I'd be glad to help you explore that. I've been involved with that industry for over 15 years and I feel confident that I can point you in the right directions.
Until next time!
PJ
#unstarvingartist