The camera in the hands of a photographer who is in the present moment is a wonderful tool for bringing the subject into the present moment and making a photograph of that happening. The resulting photos have a natural immediacy to them that attracts the viewer, who is then drawn into the same space with the subject. This can happen all quite naturally and produces a naturally attractive, and sometimes spectacular photo. The art is in being there.

Of course, the photos must be technically good (in focus, enough good light) and the setting must be right (staging, styling, clothing), and the subject can be part of setting this up, when possible. This is the subject’s photo as much as the photographer’s. Photos are made with you, not of you. We make photos, we don’t take them.

With action shots and scenes where there is little control over many things, the photo is made with whatever is present, with a eye for where to be. Being in the right place at the right time is the essence of this.

Then, of course, there is the all-important composition of the photograph. It is as simple as moving the view and subject around until it looks just right, and then releasing the shutter. This comes easily now, after a lifetime of wiring my brain for western and eastern composition. You can enjoy the fruits of this when you look at the photos, or make them with me. It’s fun!

So, why ModelMayhem? I like to make photos with people, and everyone here wants to make photos. Perfect!

Chapel Hill Art Studio

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