There are many ways to tell a story. There are story tellers who have the gift of weaving a tale through a verbal terrain which leaves their listener on the edge of their seat. One can do this through the written word or through a series of visual images, usually moving images. I love a great story and those who know me, know that I’m a BIG binger of series. My fear is not having something keeping me entertained. When I find the perfect series, I just have to know what’s going to happen. I have to know the narrative that is unfolding in front of me. I gobble it down as fast as I can. I’m enveloped, I’m consumed. There hasn’t been a better time to tell a story. In terms of the vehicle being used, the series is my favorite. I watch American, British, Australian and now German series. I have a whole world at my fingertips and I hope there is no end of binge-able stories.
As when I’m shooting someone, I have to have a story in my mind. What are they doing? What time of day is it? What is the message? What should I feel when I look at the end product. Sometimes I drive my talent or my client crazy. Feel vulnerable, I tell them. Feel lost, fierce, happy, intense… I need the feeling and that’s how I operate. I have to feel a connection to my subject, as I hope they feel a connection with me. Even when photographing someone for LinkedIn or for a company website, I want to look at that portrait and see someone trustworthy and kind. Someone I’d want to employ or have a business relationship with. Those are the successful images.