This image presented itself in the briefest of moments. One that, had I been looking the other direction, would have been missed. It is the type of image I've been wanting to make for a long time.....children in classic, timeless settings.
I am hopelessly shy and approaching people on the streets to ask permission to photograph them or their children is not something I've been able to overcome yet. Just photographing people candidly in public was a huge step for me, because I hate being the center of attention. But the minute you put a large camera around your neck you are watched carefully. People's first instinct is that you are a media person or journalist and they want to know what the story is.
Being an artist is exactly the wrong career choice for someone that hates the spotlight, but I know that I am not the only artist that has been shy and uncomfortable being the center of attention. There comes a point in time when the art itself becomes more important than your own comfort, so you learn to deal with it.
My images are now being represented by First Light, so I'm in a position where I'll have to get model releases for images with recognizable people. This scares me, but I know I'll have to do it. I'm starting with the cowboys featured in the branding images. I should have had forms ready when I was there, but I didn't. So now I'm having to spend extra time tracking down names and addresses.
I wonder how other stock photographers approach casual strangers on the street to get them to sign releases. What do they have to offer the person in return?
Monday, June 8, 2009
La Petite Fille
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3 comments:
...what an eye you have. This is a gorgeous photo and your title totally drew me in.
Roberta, I can answer that. In fact, I was going to write a post about that this week. Can you wait for my post or would you like me to share it beforehand?
Timeless indeed. Lovely.
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