There a touch of melancholy in your (beautiful!) portraits of Elliott Erwitt, isn't there? By comparison with other portraits i've seen, that is, where he appears more malicious and funny, more in line with his photography. Was it your intention to catch him "out of character" when you made the images?
Hi Pierre, thank you for the kind words. My intention was actually quite the opposite. The pictures were taken after our conversation, which was quiet a long one. I always try to photograph someone as their purest and most comfortable self, an unguarded moment of openess.
realizing i was not very clear, English is not my first language - by catching him out of character, i meant catching the man outside of his guarded attitude of someone known as a funny photographer (which would drive him to present himself as funny and malicious), i think this corresponds to what you're calling an ungarded moment of openness. Beautiful images anyway, and a pleasure to follow your newsletter.
""I don't see much future in [photography]…not for many people" – challenged me to consider the evolving landscape of the art form and exploring other aspects of storytelling."
I would like to engage in some deep dialog around this.. I don't believe it has been done so yet at a deep level, by anyone that I'm aware of. I believe that photography can regain its place for powerful storytelling - I am seeing evidence of this; but it takes us (the photographic storytellers) to move that forward...
Hi! My question would be asking for any advice on shifting (at least partially) from "9 to 5" non-photographic work to some income-making, yet still, creative photography while avoiding weddings, real estate and similar :)
The additional catch is that I'm living in a geographical area that is away from business and financial centres.
Thanks for reading, and the kind words Gajan! PS Would love if you had any questions to contribute to my Q&A (see giveaway section) because you always have a great perspective.
Two truly wonderful and unique visions. I admired both of them as magnificently creative. Erwitt was one of my earliest heroes. The world is diminished by their loss.
Also - my condolences on your losses. They say you don’t truly die until people stop saying your name, so thank you for sharing about them so we can carry them with us as well.
“For the pleasure of your eyes” was what Larry Fink wrote on the book I bought. Those are fantastic words… I’m sorry he died. I keep some conversations in my mind and a bunch of photos of him.
Do you get nervous or jittery when you do portrait shoots? Have your nerves changed over the years as you get older and more experienced? Do you get sweaty?
The more experienced I get the less nervy I get but I still sweat, lol.
There a touch of melancholy in your (beautiful!) portraits of Elliott Erwitt, isn't there? By comparison with other portraits i've seen, that is, where he appears more malicious and funny, more in line with his photography. Was it your intention to catch him "out of character" when you made the images?
Hi Pierre, thank you for the kind words. My intention was actually quite the opposite. The pictures were taken after our conversation, which was quiet a long one. I always try to photograph someone as their purest and most comfortable self, an unguarded moment of openess.
realizing i was not very clear, English is not my first language - by catching him out of character, i meant catching the man outside of his guarded attitude of someone known as a funny photographer (which would drive him to present himself as funny and malicious), i think this corresponds to what you're calling an ungarded moment of openness. Beautiful images anyway, and a pleasure to follow your newsletter.
Ah yes! That’s exactly right, Francois! Thank you :) and I’m very glad you’re here!
""I don't see much future in [photography]…not for many people" – challenged me to consider the evolving landscape of the art form and exploring other aspects of storytelling."
I would like to engage in some deep dialog around this.. I don't believe it has been done so yet at a deep level, by anyone that I'm aware of. I believe that photography can regain its place for powerful storytelling - I am seeing evidence of this; but it takes us (the photographic storytellers) to move that forward...
It’s a worthy discussion!
Hi! My question would be asking for any advice on shifting (at least partially) from "9 to 5" non-photographic work to some income-making, yet still, creative photography while avoiding weddings, real estate and similar :)
The additional catch is that I'm living in a geographical area that is away from business and financial centres.
It's such a great lost for everybody... What was the most challenging shooting you've taken on film?
Thank you Henrique, excellent question, will include it!
So glad I discovered your newsletter!
My question: What keeps you motivated as a photographer?
So glad you are here too, Hannah! Great question, will include!
Truly a beautiful piece Wesley, thank you for putting this together. Really enjoyed reading it.
Thanks for reading, and the kind words Gajan! PS Would love if you had any questions to contribute to my Q&A (see giveaway section) because you always have a great perspective.
Two truly wonderful and unique visions. I admired both of them as magnificently creative. Erwitt was one of my earliest heroes. The world is diminished by their loss.
So very much agreed Don!
What is something you’ve been longing to photograph but haven’t yet? / what’s stopping you?
Great question! Will include!
:)
Also - my condolences on your losses. They say you don’t truly die until people stop saying your name, so thank you for sharing about them so we can carry them with us as well.
I keep that book somewhere and that long braid girl photo in my mind
“For the pleasure of your eyes” was what Larry Fink wrote on the book I bought. Those are fantastic words… I’m sorry he died. I keep some conversations in my mind and a bunch of photos of him.
A true original!
Do you get nervous or jittery when you do portrait shoots? Have your nerves changed over the years as you get older and more experienced? Do you get sweaty?
The more experienced I get the less nervy I get but I still sweat, lol.
Haha noting it down for the issue!
My question would be this: do you think you’ll ever become the photographer you want to be or are you already there?
Excellent question! Big question! Will include!