People continue to debate the question: What is Art? One of the great things is that the question will likely never be answered. As art techniques, movements, and media change, the question will continue to be asked whether the works produced in these new styles and media are actually art. Although photography has existed for almost two hundred years, there is still some debate about whether photography is art. There is always the question of whether a particular image is "Art". However, I get frustrated when general art competitions exclude photography or when artists who work in other media make generalizations that photography is not art. My personal belief is that a work should be judged by the same artistic standards regardless of the medium used to create it. Things have become even more complicated with the growth of digital art. As someone who makes images in photoshop from composites of photographs and found images, I'm often not sure how to enter my work in competitions. I write all of this as an introduction to my post about Cash Bryan because it's important to me that he be seen as a natural part of my project photographing artists. Cash is an artist who uses photography to create portraits. I feel like I should include more photographers in my project. However, I haven't quite figured out how to make that work. Much of a photographer's time is spent in editing on a computer and that doesn't make for interesting photos - or I haven't figured out how to make that look interesting! Plus, I am intimidated by the idea of taking photographs of people who are experienced photographers themselves. I often don't get my photos right "in camera" and fix things later in photoshop. I chose to photograph Cash because he creates beautiful work and requires the use of other people in his photoshoots. I thought it would add interest to my photos to include the model. The challenge turned out to be my inability to use artificial lighting. I didn't want to introduce light into the setting because Cash was creating his own flash and natural light arrangements to make the proper lighting for his photos. In the end, I only got a couple good shots that included the model. However, the shoot was lots of fun. A challenge of portraiture is the relationship between the artist and the model. Those who create portraits through paint or other non-photographic media can either work from a photo or ask their models to stay still for long periods of time. That is kind of an expectation if you are sitting for a non-photographic portrait. An artist making a photographic portrait - especially if you are working with regular person and not a model - doesn't really get that time. People expect you to be able to move quickly to get the "shot." Plus, you are sometimes expected to talk with the subject, make them comfortable, build a relationship with them that allows their personality to come through in the photograph. Cash is really good at building rapport with his subjects and making them feel comfortable, which has enabled him to take photos of people living on the street or who aren't looking to be photographed. He's noted that his recent need to use a scooter may have helped him be seen as more approachable by people who would have otherwise steered clear of a tall man with a camera. He had a long career as a professional wedding and newspaper photographer. His fine art work tends to focus on people whom he considers "characters" - those who might not generally be the subject of portraits. His 2019 show, "Public Personalities," appeared at the Grand Theatre Center for the Arts and featured portraits and street photography that Cash has created over his forty-year career. Part of the fun of this photoshoot with Cash was watching and hearing him interact with his model. Ron Pepperman is a long-time Tracy resident who has made helping older people his mission. Ron recruited Cash to assist people in need with heating and AC issues (another of Cash's talents), and that's how they became good friends. Ron definitely qualifies as a "character" and has a very expressive face. Unfortunately for our community, he is moving out-of-state to be with family. I think Cash also qualifies as a character and has an interesting face! I'm looking forward to another photo shoot where I can use the light I need and take more posed photos of him.
3 Comments
1/3/2023 07:43:10 am
Hey there, You have done a fantastic job. I’ll definitely digg it and personally suggest to my friends. I am confident they will be benefited from this web site.
Reply
1/3/2023 11:01:49 am
It's important to me that he be seen as a natural part of my project photographing artists. Cash is an artist who uses photography to create portraits. I’m so thankful for your helpful post!
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
Archives
April 2022
AuthorTiffanie Heben is a photographer who has been inspired by the artists in her community |