Drama in frames

In the heart of a dimly lit theater, a captivating scene unfolds. One figure, exuding authority, commands the stage, while in the shadows, another character appears defeated, embodying vulnerability. It's a clash of power and emotion frozen in time.

As a photographer, the allure of shooting live theater performances lies in the authenticity of emotions. These fleeting instances, where strength and weakness collide, offer a unique opportunity to tell a powerful story in a single frame. For me, it’s an adrenaline rush to chase moments like these where the narrative unfolds this way.

Yet, navigating the theater's intricate lighting poses a challenge. To craft a compelling narrative, one must strategically position themselves, anticipating the highs and lows of the performance. Even if you're not part of the set, the power to shape your photo lies in your hands. Your chosen perspective, the angle at which you capture the actors, and the timing of your shot hold transformative potential. Proficiency in reading the lighting is essential – an intimate comprehension of the interplay between light and shadow empowers you to fashion your distinctive version.

In the end, the silent dialogues between characters, the interplay of light, and the raw, unscripted emotions are so worth it. And when was the last time you checked out a theater play?

Forget your boundaries

My recent endeavor involved breaking away from the confines of pristine sharp high-end images and advocating for a more daring approach. This time I truly wanted to craft by making this image a playground of textures and injecting a variance and densely concentrated details into a composition, allowing me to reach the results I was looking for.

Black and white photography, in particular, serves as a canvas for this creative exploration. The idea is to embrace imperfections, forging a unique narrative within the frame.

For anyone venturing into photography, consider this: innovation often arises from the willingness to create, destroy, and explore.

And here is a fun fact: Did you know that the first photograph ever taken required an exposure time of over 8 hours?

Smartphones and Photography

Every year, smartphone companies seem to be pushing the limits and boundaries of photography. Not only can they take a properly exposed image, but they’re able to retouch them in the blink of an eye. Bright colors, high dynamic range, low light sensitivity and image stabilization: all layered in a composite that once is processed end up getting closer and closer to traditional digital full sensor cameras.

But what is the definition of a good picture?

We could argue that cellphone companies have trained us (consumers) to accept that brighter saturated colors are better, and should be considered superior quality. Perhaps smartphones have transformed our point of view on what’s considered a good or a bad picture.

The truth is that these mobile devices are shaping the way we see, judge and feel about photography. With thousands of YouTube influencers using their expertise in photography providing millions of followers with smartphone camera picture reviews, mobile companies have no choice but to push the limits of what we consider beautiful or acceptable quality. Smartphone technology goes as far as to reshaping your face on the spot, and make the front facing camera give you a subtle slender look. All this happens before you even snap the shot as the software will compensate and decides all the characteristics of the shot right out the gate.

The smartphone industry understands our insatiable need to look full of life, healthier and younger. It is no secret why most selfies are taken slightly above the head as we think this phenomenon makes us look flattering. We seek what we want to see, and smartphones provide us with that and a little bit more.

Facts: Your smartphone is a computer with a lens and a dedicated chipset along with a GPU that automatically decides how the image will look based on preset algorithms, altering facial features and skin as well as finding a sort of golden ratio which in return makes you feel awesome. Yes, we can say that our smartphones lie to us on the spot, and we choose to look away from it.

“The illusion has become real, and the more real it becomes, the more we want it.”

— Gordon Gekko

With all this said, there is no better camera than the one you hold in your pocket. As photography is not all about the focus or sharpness but more about the moments.

Photographer vs Selfie

Whether you like it or not photographs are the first step to becoming relevant as a content creator.

A good blogger will quickly understand, the selfie should be used as a quick aid and not the official process to render visuals in a blog post or even Instagram.

Is a good idea to know what is your social identity, as this is a  key factor that will help your followers understand, identify and relate with your style/brand. Which leads us to take in to account that once again, photography matters.

Selfies feel cool plus they are simple that's for sure, however blog posts are another ball game. If you are serious about your brand, you have to put in the work behind it, and yes invest in your production.

Hire a photographer, or if you are lucky, find a friend that owns decent equipment and knows how to compose an image. No matter what, as times change and sponsors move on to Instagram, Facebook or Twitter to search for the next big influencer, you must realize that you too must evolve with the industry and try to  stay ahead of your competition. Drop the cellphone and use a photographer.

Summary

• Selfies are average common and poor in quality

• Understanding your social identity will help followers relate with your brand

• Ask around for friends that know how to operate a camera

• Hire a photographer for very important posts or special events.

• Some photographers will do collaborative shoots (TFP) meaning for free

“It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you’ll do things differently”

— Warren Buffett

Creative Photography

Creative photography assignments are pretty much on the top of the list of most photographers interested in expanding their skill and exploring their range.

Ideally you may want to reach out and share the set with other experts in hopes you can combine their craft with your vision. This will not only improve your imagery and product value but will definitely make the process of production a lot easier then if you were to shoot on your own.

If you don't get lucky and are not able to receive expert help such as makeup artist, wardrobe or hairstylist do not be discouraged.

You'd be surprise to find out in photography everything goes. Makeup, beauty and hair do not depict or explain your creation. Yes, these resources are convenient and beautiful to have any day, however the creativity and reason of the story are the true  fundamental components that will help drive your creation to a true work of art. 

Summary

• Play around with creative projects, work in uncomfortable settings on your own.

• Make up and wardrobe should not be the reason for your creation.

• Inspiration, creativity and story telling should be the engine of your visual concept.

“Art is not what you see, but what you make others see”

— Edgar Degas