A photographer nowadays has to be so versatile if he/she would like to stand out. The camera has become a kinda super computer with tons of buttons (I’m using the D3 and studied the inside recently), you have to understand light, Photoshop (which can be a pain in the butt). You have to market yourself (therefore you need to understand the Web) and if you would like to shoot people, like I do, you have to make a connection with your subject. I must say I enjoy the latter the most.

Two weeks ago I did a two day shoot for a Training Company, shooting its trainers and clients. I arrived at the set in Amsterdam at 19:30. haven’t met the models before who would “act” as the clients and there he was: A guy by the name of Hans (what’s in a name :) ). You can see him below with the glasses (click photo for large).

I immediately sensed a great photo opportunity. A dramatic face with impact. I could relate to him and he to me, there was the click you need. I had my last beer with him together with my client at 23:55. Why ? I dunno. The click is just there, both make an effort and DANG, good pictures.

The other evening shoot was in a nature reserve, called “The Blue Chamber”, that’s just around the corner from where I live. The light became better and better and I had two trainers and my client who is the director of the company. I had to shoot her first cause she had to leave early. I was left with Anouk and Nienke, one hour before sunset. A lens can become very powerful and intimate looking through it. It gets you inside a person’s head or soul. I took portraits of Anouk first and noticed looking through the lens a kinda vibrancy and energy that could be unlocked. She had the same and asked for music. Luckily an iPhone has decent speakers and DANG the body shots were her/hers.

And there was Nienke. I used her earlier as a second assistant, shooting my client holding a Lastolite panel. It was a bit stressful, difficult light, small bridge, wide angle, back lit, blahdeeblah, but she staid composed and collected. Nienke has a powerful facial expression which gives you a Sea of Tranquility. I admire that very much. It was clear that she needed be lit in the magical minutes after the sun went down. She’s shot with an Ezybox camera right, the SB900 is gelled and used as a fill to balance the dying sunlight. The first shots were spot on, DANG, write on target. Easy and I consider it one of my best portraits too date. If a photographer can grasp what he perceives as the inner lights of his/her subject, the picture will stand out.

Richard Avedon once said that a portrait is not a likeness. The moment an emotion or fact is transformed into a photograph it is no longer a fact but an opinion. I can’t agree more, but it’s professionally rewarding to get a good opinion and it’s financially rewarding if your clients like your opinion.

Keep following your lights…