Interpretive Portrait
If I directed you to this page, it means we may choose to work together on an interpretive portrait, an artistic exercise in which I attempt to develop a photograph or photo series that is faithful to my artistic style while trying to tell your story or examine you from the lens of my own understanding; your concept of yourself as you see fit to share it with me; and any possible public perceptions that may exist of you. Approximately 85% of my interpretive portraits are commissioned work; the rest are sessions with individuals I approach, or cases where both of us have a simultaneous mutual interest in working together. This page has been established to help you make an informed decision about whether this is an artistic process you wish to participate in, and please know in advance that I respect the outcome of your decision regardless.
Why do you focus on interpretive portraits?
I have probably taken over one million photographs, and I have done portraits of hundreds of people. In many cases, the portraits are confined and static, and I had very little time to get to know the person. Thus, the portrait is simply a technically sound (usually) photograph of someone, and perhaps could easily have been taken by someone else. In speaking with my subjects over the years, many people have told me that they feel like every photograph of them looks the same, or that perhaps they do not like the way they look in photographs. An interpretive portrait is an opportunity to have several conversations about yourself, as well as to see how someone else might interpret you through their artistic process. Almost everyone I have worked with has enjoyed the process, and nobody has ever told me they wished they had not participated.
What style of photograph will it be?
My interpretive work exhausts the full range of my photographic styles, which you can see by viewing my portfolios. Images can range from very simple and straightforward shots; to intense black-and-white emotional pieces; to extremely colorful and movie-like stills; to fashion magazine styles.
What are the steps?
Traditionally, I try to arrange between 1-2 phone calls, Skype chats and/or in-person meetings to get to know someone before a session; to establish trust; and to ensure they understand every facet of the process. The comfort of my photo subjects is of the utmost importance to me, and I find that people who are relaxed, understand the process and are enthusiastic about it often yield the best results. Once we have established an initial rapport, I then take some time to come up with concepts/pitches, which I present to the subject with plenty of time for them to think it over and ask questions. The next step is the photoshoot, followed by - sometime later - a review of the results.
Are there costs involved?
I waive all costs for select individuals that I approach about interpretive shoots. Obviously, for commissions, there may be costs involved, including travel, expenses, special requests, etc. These would be worked out in advance to ensure clarity and comfort of all involved.
Do I have to sign anything? What are my rights in terms of the photographs?
For commissioned work, the rights to the photographs typically depend on the deal we make; in many cases, people who are buying portraits wish to retain full rights to the results. If I have approached you about a portrait, and/or if I am doing the portrait for free/at my own cost, then the typical setup is that I own the rights to the photographs, but grant you extensive 'usage rights' to the images so that you can use them for your websites, portfolios, social media presence, personal brand, etc. Regardless, every participant would have to sign a release, which will be provided for review in advance.
Why do you focus on interpretive portraits?
I have probably taken over one million photographs, and I have done portraits of hundreds of people. In many cases, the portraits are confined and static, and I had very little time to get to know the person. Thus, the portrait is simply a technically sound (usually) photograph of someone, and perhaps could easily have been taken by someone else. In speaking with my subjects over the years, many people have told me that they feel like every photograph of them looks the same, or that perhaps they do not like the way they look in photographs. An interpretive portrait is an opportunity to have several conversations about yourself, as well as to see how someone else might interpret you through their artistic process. Almost everyone I have worked with has enjoyed the process, and nobody has ever told me they wished they had not participated.
What style of photograph will it be?
My interpretive work exhausts the full range of my photographic styles, which you can see by viewing my portfolios. Images can range from very simple and straightforward shots; to intense black-and-white emotional pieces; to extremely colorful and movie-like stills; to fashion magazine styles.
What are the steps?
Traditionally, I try to arrange between 1-2 phone calls, Skype chats and/or in-person meetings to get to know someone before a session; to establish trust; and to ensure they understand every facet of the process. The comfort of my photo subjects is of the utmost importance to me, and I find that people who are relaxed, understand the process and are enthusiastic about it often yield the best results. Once we have established an initial rapport, I then take some time to come up with concepts/pitches, which I present to the subject with plenty of time for them to think it over and ask questions. The next step is the photoshoot, followed by - sometime later - a review of the results.
Are there costs involved?
I waive all costs for select individuals that I approach about interpretive shoots. Obviously, for commissions, there may be costs involved, including travel, expenses, special requests, etc. These would be worked out in advance to ensure clarity and comfort of all involved.
Do I have to sign anything? What are my rights in terms of the photographs?
For commissioned work, the rights to the photographs typically depend on the deal we make; in many cases, people who are buying portraits wish to retain full rights to the results. If I have approached you about a portrait, and/or if I am doing the portrait for free/at my own cost, then the typical setup is that I own the rights to the photographs, but grant you extensive 'usage rights' to the images so that you can use them for your websites, portfolios, social media presence, personal brand, etc. Regardless, every participant would have to sign a release, which will be provided for review in advance.