FINE ART PORTRAIT SESSION in FAYETTEVILLE, AR
What are fine art portraits?
I’m sure different photographers and artists have different meanings, but for me, I’m talking about using my photography as a creative medium to capture the essence of who a person is. From the abstract, like emotions and energy, to the concrete - the actual features and details of a human being. The characteristics that make a person unique, that make the person who they are. I like using a simple backdrop for these so that the focus really becomes the person (people), their personality and their connections with my camera or between the people I am photographing.
The story with this fine art session might sound familiar to some parents. Magnolia gets to my home “studio” (I use that term lightly as I’m basically setting up a plain ole backdrop in my living room or my garage), she’s in a new place and immediately distracted by all the cool, new things and totally not into getting her picture taken. She’s acting silly and happy some of the time, but a lot of the time, just wanting to play and have us leave her the heck alone. She’s two. Obviously, this is nothing new for me. I’m going to diverge for a second and tell people who might be reading this, the best thing you can do for yourself when preparing for a photo session is to let go of your expectations. If your child is normally happy and easy, likely on picture day, they aren’t into it and throw fits. If your child despises family picture day, that’s the day they might surprise you and be all about it. There’s no wrong way to show up as long as you show up without expecting yourself or your child to be a certain way. We are all imperfect and imperfections make beautiful photographs. We all have different moods on different days, at different times. And I’m here for all of that. I’m not into the fake and phony (it’s one reason I don’t do a ton of major editing). I’m here to capture who you are and who your child is and wherever you and your child are in that moment.
I digress… the bottom line is I’m okay with everything you and your kids are bringing to your session as long as it’s you. I’ve seen every family dynamic, every childhood meltdown. I’ve got 3 kids who have a mother as a photographer and still act crazy, have meltdowns, cry, become shy, etc. almost every time we have our own photos taken by someone else.
We are human beings capable of so many expressions and emotions. Bring them all or as many you can to a session. I’m not here for smiles only, one-dimensional work.
This precious girl, not into her photos, gave smiles, serious, crying, laughing, showed me her curiosity, her shyness, the joy of eating popcorn, her love for music, to only wanting her mama, not wanting photos or to be near the white backdrop and at the end of the session where she was absolutely done. And I love them all.
Don’t be afraid to bring the full gamut of who you and your family are.
