Photo Prose
Gary Gershon Rabenko
Most columns about photography have pictures. This new column for the most part will emphasize words. I often noticed that my best work occurred when I could follow the little voice in the back of my head. But words are everywhere! Most do not realize how important words are to making photography as powerful as it can be. Words are ideas and ideas lead to more ideas.
When you view a photograph, you might first notice the actual content. But then you knowingly or subconsciously start to interpret things that you see in it, or the feel you get from it. What leads to that feeling? What did the photographer do to help you get that feeling? Was it purposeful and intended, or was it accidental, and unrelated to the photographer.
Often people who visit our studio, ask if I would give classes. Frequently photo students apply for assisting jobs thinking that in a few months they could become photographers. Only years later can they understand how that which is most important is not taught in classrooms, and only rarely is considered by most professionals in this industry. The fact is that while everyone wants to know how to take better pictures, very few really understand what that involves. It involves words! Words we hope to share here.
Of course, good gear is important. Today we have the best gear, and the most technically advanced approach to image production ever in the history of photography. But is the photography we see all around, better? No. Cameras need less light than ever before. But is photography better? No. Lenses cover wide ranges that the most advanced pros could not dare hope for. But are they used with skill, or mostly for convenience? Film is a thing of the past. Today we can shoot thousands of images without running out, or having to re-load. But how well do we pay attention to the little moments between the big ones. Will the photos of our simcha be more meaningful, more flattering, more exciting? Is photography better today?
It could be if and only if the client and photographer are on the same page. That means they use the same words, and think about how the photography and video can mean most. It could be better, if instead of the photographer using ordinary words and thinking like an amateur, the photographer used the right words in thinking about his work.
Everywhere we look we see imagery. If we are planning a simcha, we look at albums, websites, and visit studios to decide who to entrust with that all important role of “creating our memories” and “capturing the moments”. We look at a photograph and we may like it or not like it. But do we understand, really understand what we should be looking for? What questions should we be asking. What criteria should we be applying in our selection of a photographer or videographer? When we see a photo that we like, is it possible that under those particular circumstances the shot was easy and not an indication of serious skills. Perhaps a photograph of the infirm person who now appears with strength and dignity, required much more skill and caring to produce, than the beautiful Kollah holding colorful flowers!
What is the photographer’s job? How should he be approaching your project? After we have selected our photographer, how can we help him to do the best for us.
What does the photographer need from us, and what do we need from him?
Are there questions and comments that will help the photographer do more?
Have you been at an event where the photographer disappointed you either while you were a guest or as the Bal Simcha? Why did that happen? Was it the photographer, his training and approach, the environmental conditions, timing, circumstances? No doubt you and the photographer had different expectations. Words used in advance might have prevented that disappointment!
The caterer, the florist, the decorators, each has a job to do. They are very important in making the event what it will be. But if you will care about the photography later, how could those vendors’ interaction with the photographer be of help. What kind of coordination might exist between those vendors and your photographer. Events today often rival a Hollywood production…. With tremendous planning and design. But for the photographer, it is expected to be done in one take, with no room for error, no time for changes, and many expectations later. Perhaps by consulting with the photographer before, many disappointments could be avoided? That is what this column will be about. Things that should be considered. Words that should be heard. Questions that should be asked.
A commercial shoot of a product can take days. Much time is spent setting up a shot, and very importantly, lighting it for just the right effect. Now consider the B’edeken. Consider a beautiful and unique structure that has been erected, under which the Kollah will be sitting, and through whose entrance, the Chosen will appear. Everyone is in awe of the artistic design and composition of this unique and different setting created especially just for this wedding. But how is the photographer to shoot the actual scene when the moment comes for the Groom to meet the Bride. How is the photographer to show what is inside and outside, under and above, lit with bright sunlight, and shaded from even his flash by the cave like structure, all the while making sure to show both mothers equally, the reactions of young and old, and the brachot of BOTH fathers, including the one who turned his back to better get around the step that separated him from his daughter?!? Words. They are the only solution to achieving the best results. Results where both the client and the photographer understand what can, should, and best be done. Perhaps if the step was wider? Perhaps if the entrance was higher? Perhaps if the caterer guided the crowd through the opposite door?
Sometimes, things happen to make the best of intentions lead to less than the most ideal results. Often, a better understanding of the client’s concerns, or the photographer’s needs, would make all the difference. In this column, I hope to answer the hard questions, and ask meaningful ones.
They say a photo is worth a thousand words.
Is that still true today?
Where have the words gone? Where should they come from?
We think in the terms we speak. Do photographers think the same or differently from regular folks. What is a photographer? Does he think before during or after the “shot”
What is he thinking about? Does all this make any difference? You bet!
Just as the best photographers use light in a purposeful way to highlight and enhance, as well as to strengthen and define, my intention here is to light the way to a better understanding of what photography can be, what photographers can and should do, and how you can help make the whole experience better, nicer and sweeter.
2006 Gary Rabenko
This was the first column published in Photo Prose by Gary Rabenko in 2006 in 5 Towns Jewish Times http://5tjt.com/