A new way.
My first shoot with Paige, I asked her if she’d be up for trying out a different kind of test shoot. Different for me that is, maybe not for you. Hard to say.
Instead of spending the night shooting we sat down somewhere.
We talked and I got to know Paige. The small things.
Every once in awhile I stole a genuine expression during a genuine moment. A glimpse, a detail. These are the things a brain like mine sees… when the rest of me is sitting still.
I like to think that part of the genuineness might be captured, and possibly even conveyed. To you, the viewer.
That is my artist statement, of sorts.
I hope you find it as fascinating of a process as I found Paige as a person. Thanks much for your sla. Short for slang. You wouldn’t get it, unless you know her, which I guess is kind of the point?
A journey in documenting a person rather than a face. That is my new inspiration. I’ve finally found the words. More images like this to come.
Much more.
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8 Comments
03 August 11 at 2:15pm
1
Wow. that was very beautifully put Jake. and beautiful pictures. always.
03 August 11 at 2:36pm
2
Love her shirt... :)
04 August 11 at 11:23am
3
This is awesome. Love the new approach Jake!
05 August 11 at 12:01am
4
This is critic, wanting to be constructive not bullish: I love your idea of getting to know the person and not just photographing the face. Go for it! But, execution doesn't live up with the story here, in my opinion. I mean, in my eyes, these six photos express the place and time more than her personality. Come on, two of six about a bucket? Feels like the model is let aside a bit and the photos won't compliment or flatter her as they could. Imperfection is fascinating but this time it leaves me a bit disappointed. Could be that I just understood it all wrong. And needless to say I'm not saying she wouldn't be beautiful!
05 August 11 at 1:04am
5
Getting to know someone involves more than just them, it's the things we talk about, the things we notice... together. That's where memories plant a stake in the ground and get remembered, at least for me. PS - Your thoughts are well said by the way, thank you for that. :)
05 August 11 at 1:02pm
6
I agree with hp and would like to add to the critique. The idea of the new approach is cool but the images are not solid. You mentioned "catching a genuine expression" yet the model still looks posed, she hasn't forgotten that you are there with your camera and equipment. For this idea to really take off I think you'd have to live with someone because getting to know someone, actually knowing someone inside and out, requires more than just a good conversation and a campfire. As the viewer I don't feel like I know anything about this girl aside from what's obvious- sometimes she smiles and sometimes she doesn't. I hope you don't mind the crit--- In my mind, nothing great happens, no champions are created without the honesty of another. Heidi B
05 August 11 at 1:31pm
7
Heidi, I don't disagree. Your critique would be much more appropriate if this were a body of selected work with my new style in mind. That's not what this is though, this is a test shoot and everything you stated was fully within my expectations and realization when I posted this sneak peek into a new direction, this is just the first step. A glimpse into the journey that is nowhere near where it needs to be yet... Your words are well received though!
05 August 11 at 11:52pm
8
Jake, I've been thinking about my crit and I wasn't being very rational-- I mean, how many models are you actually going to live with?! Keep working on this idea and I'm sure everything will pull itself together. I've always wanted to work with you- that's one of the reasons I'm always so tough on ya! Thanks for your professionalism I really respect that about you!!! Heidi