Photographer: “I’m sorry is the seat uncomfortable?”
Chandler: “No I am.”
I don’t work with models, I work with real people and some of them are not too keen on being in front of my camera. In fact most people I photograph open the conversation with, I don’t like having my photograph taken (I’ve learnt not to take this to heart).
When I photograph people regardless of age and gender, one of the most important things I can give them is time. Knowing when to make a start taking pictures is one of my skills. With some subjects it works to start straight away and not faff too much and with others it might be a 30 minute chat followed by a 10 minute shoot. My people barometer hardly ever fails my decision when to get started.
I love people, I love hearing about their lives, sharing TV boxset banter and quickly putting them at ease. I never take people out of their comfort zone, with poses which don’t suit or reflect their personalities and I never ever ask people to smile (unless I’m looking for a forced grimace look). The background and lighting can all be perfect, but if the subject looks uncomfortable then for me the picture is ruined.
My camera becomes almost secondary on a shoot (I still take it with me though) as I find it more important to communicate and be 100% authentic with people. I always tell my subject what composition I’m trying to achieve and how much of them is in the frame. As the photographer I have a good idea of how the final image will look and I think it’s important to let people know what I’m trying to achieve, but flexibility is important too. If I’m too focused on what images I want from the session, that won’t allow me to think outside the box.
I love my job and it’s important that my subjects pick up on that. If I’m giving 100% then the law of reciprocity dictates that they will give 100% back…
For more information on my wedding & portrait photography, please email studio@garywalsh.co.uk
