Artist Portraits Series
Series Overview
Capture Austin-based artists, who I find interesting and have a story to tell
Use expired B&W film
Capture artists in their space and/or outdoor space
Studio-like portraits for a majority the film roll
Print series in darkroom with possible book and/or gallery showing
Intention
The “Artist Portraits” series will focus on portraits of local Austin artists to show how they are coping with, and creating their work, during the 2020 pandemic. The series isn’t intended to focus on what the artist is doing or how they are creating, but rather to capture a few frames of the artist as a person, facing the current reality.
The series will mainly focus on the portrait session, using a black or white backdrop, but will include a few scenes of the artist in their space/home studio, when safety permits.
The series will be shot on black and white expired film, using old cameras, ranging from 35mm to 4x5 film. Film is not only a metaphor for the fragility and physical reality of the scenario we are in but also has a certain depth and physical presence which I find appealing.
A masked portrait will be encouraged to document the time we are in and to keep a consistent theme.
Inspiration
I find that the human face tells a unique story of each individual. My vision for these portraits are to have no props or distractions. Only the face of the participant, to tell their individual story as best I can through the capturing of light and shadow.
I am drawing inspiration from the photographers Irving Penn and Richard Avedon for this portrait series. They were arguably the greatest portrait photographers of their generations and I feel drawn to their ideas of focusing on the person and nothing else.
Challenges
There are a number of challenges right now in doing a series of portraits, both for the artist and myself.
I will come to the artist where they live or work and set up the backdrop, as well as any lighting needed.
Indoor shooting is preferred for the desired end result however, it will be up to the discretion of the participant. If indoor shooting is not desired for any reason, my backdrop can be setup in a shaded outdoor area.
For safety precautions, I will be wearing a mask for the entirety of the shoot, indoors or out, and will maintain as safe a distance as possible.
End Result
The end goal for this series is a physical showcase each artist, whether through individual series prints, book form, gallery show, or all three.
Photographic prints are less common today than ever. The idea of a physical print seems like a thing of the past, given social and web media today. A digital photograph is easily taken for granted, to not even notice or contemplate, before scrolling on to the next consumable thing.
I want this series to be consumed in the physical realm and not in the digital one. By shooting film I will have a physical capturing of light that can be printed in the darkroom to create a physical end result portrait.
Time Commitment for Participants
While each participant will be different, a timeframe of 2 hours (or less) is ideal to complete the shoot.
Time will be needed for setup, since I am using film cameras along with studio flash/strobe and backdrops.
Film is a slower process in general but, I feel that time allows me to capture the subject in a more conscious and intentional way.
Photo access
Each participating artist will be given one silver gelatin darkroom print of their choice, from the shoot.
Artists will also have access to the portrait selections, as well as be free to share and use the portraits with proper permissions and credits. My goal is to make something we are both proud of and want to get in front of as many eyes as possible.
Note: A digital camera will be used to gauge lighting and scenes, as well as act as backup, in the event of a film issue.