A client asked for a headshot session. He knew what he was looking for. He knew, too, how many ‘looks’ and final images he wanted to have. (The answer: 3)
He booked his session for a reason – he loves a photo I took of a friend a couple of years ago and he wanted one just like it.
The photo is dark, mysterious, moody, dramatic. My client said, “I want a photo like that.” He was looking forward to photo shoot day, as was I.
Photo shoot day arrived and we got to it – rolling down a dark canvas backdrop (together). Chatting (together). Sitting and standing, this way and that (my client). Occasionally stealing a peak at images (again, together).
My client was pretty happy with what he saw, as was I. So far, so good. We continued.
Then, I suggested a change of background – ‘How about white?,’ I said. ‘Wanna try?’ He agreed.
We made the change. We continued the session.
My client was surprised. He liked these photos even more than the earlier ones. He was relaxed and excited at the same time. He even performed some dance moves – just for fun. I caught them on camera.
At one point he took off his suit jacket for a different look – jacket-free photos. Then, changed to a T-shirt for a different feel. I continued to take photos.
And finally, we were done. We both agreed – there was good variety and lots of images to choose from.
My client received his collage of proofs on the 1st of the month. By the 17th he’d made a preliminary selection – narrowed it down to 20 (!) images.
More culling needed.
Time has passed.
Today, it’s the 27th. But no final selection as yet.
It’s hard to choose!
Decisions, decisions, decisions.
A portrait is not made in the camera, but on either side of it.
Edward Steichen