Mark Mann on Headshot Photography

There are some really good tips in here about catching your subjects authentic emotions. I’m not sure I always love the ring light catchlights in the eyes, but I do like the way they light the face evenly but with contrast.

Sarah Oliphant interviewed by Peter Hurley

I just got done watching this video after looking at backdrops on https://www.oliphantstudio.com/ and it was an amazing interview. I’m a fan of Peter Hurley and now of Sarah Oliphant. This is why these backdrops cost what they do. You are getting a large format, master painter’s artwork. While I don’t envision having one of these Oliphant portrait backdrops anytime soon, they are on every professional portrait photographer’s wish list.

On Being a Photographer

i’m reading the book “On Being a Photographer: A Practical Guide” and the following resonated with me. The “he” the quote is referring to is David Hurn.

And it is no surprise that his admonitions to photographers carry the same message: think clearly, act sensibly, commit yourself to caring and work hard in order to discover joy. Then give the images back to the world from which they were taken. He has written: 

“In previous ages the word ‘art” was used to cover all forms of human skill. The Greeks believed that these skills were given by the gods to man for the purpose of improving the condition of life. In a real sense, photography has fulfilled that Greek ideal of art; it should not only improve the photographer, but also improve the world.”