What kind of portraits do you like?  

I prefer a shot that captures who the person is - a photograph that somehow conveys their real energy.  Maybe they’re a goof ball and need that crazy personality captured or perhaps they have an intensity that represents who they are. 

As a photographer, we often find inspiration from others’ talents or books.  One of my favorite books is, People Pictures, 30 exercises for creating authentic photographs, by Chris Orwig.  It isn’t the standard ‘portrait’ book and offers unique ways for creating meaningful shots.

Take this first photo of little Bryson, he was goofing off and I luckily snapped this one shot.  I was on the gr

ound, at this level, playing with him and waiting (like a cougar stalking her prey) for that rare moment.   I think it’s a fun shot and it certainly represents who he is.

Next comes Lauren.  Shooting in front of studio lights and a white backdrop, we were looking for playful, pretty and somewhat sexy poses.  They all turned out great and she was a very natural subject but I love this shot that wasn’t posed.  It shows her happiness and her ‘let it all go’ type of laugh. 

And last, this is where I got into the grit of the wood shavings to show David Ford working on one of his huge wood sculptures.  He is a true artist and showing him down and dirty, grinding away, shows how he finds his happiness. 

Check out my Portrait gallery-more images will be added soon.