I’ll Be Your Mirror
As a portrait photographer, it’s important that I get in front of the camera occasionally. Subjects respond differently to getting their picture taken, some come to life, some recede, others freak out. There’s real value in having an understanding of those feelings when trying to tease out an meaningful moment with a sitter.
When I was younger and keen to be seen and I was quite a ham. After seeing the results, I “learned” to be more controlled.
I don’t get formally approached by photographers often, so when New York-based shooter Rick Wenner emailed me about his Artist series I was pleased to be included. I was also aware of my reservations about how I am portrayed, so we did a phone call to set some parameters and boundaries.
I love to photograph people in their homes, as all environments and contextual details feel like fair game, but for this same reason I won’t be photographed in my home or office. Rick made the drive to my suburban neighborhood and although I wouldn’t let him shoot inside, he found interest in our landscaping, as well as setting up a mini-studio on our driveway.
He told me that he was taking cues from my work, and hoped to make an image that was playful and funny, so that got me pretty scared (one man’s witty is another’s cheesy).
He asked to use the figurine from my Likeness series, and although I worried that this could get goofy, I obliged.
I’m aware of the danger of being too casual in front of the camera but I also know from shooting other photographers, that the smart ones throw you a bone and help you get to a good shot. It’s in their interest that you find something to hook into, but also, they ultimately want the picture of them to be dynamic and interesting.
The shoot day with Rick was a pleasure. He took my restrictions in stride, and was low-key and good-natured all around; leading me to let my guard down and give him some more expressive poses. It was great to see a top professional at work from the inside. It felt like a collaboration, with the best moments coming from my being in capable and confident hands.
Top Image: Behind the scenes with Rick Wenner & Chris Buck, September 19, 2024. Photo by Alex Franklin.
Bottom Image: A fitting likeness.