a willing stranger

Week two of the Five-Minute Portrait class.

We talked about how technique (i.e. different camera settings) can dramatically alter the feeling (& thus the aesthetics) of the portrait.

We are supposed to think about words that each of the following four settings might convey to the viewer. For example: what does a soft, blurry background signify (to you)?

And our teacher helped us understand by naming a specific artist who "specializes" in each of the (considered) styles of portraiture --

Wide aperture (Steve McCurry)
Small aperture (Bruce Davidson - subway series)
Fast shutter speed (Philippe Halsman)
Long exposure/slow shutter (Duane Michals)

So I have to think about what I want to say when making a portrait - what do I want the viewer to know/feel about the subject, about the environment, etc.

All that in addition to background, composition, light, the usual suspects.

And each week before class we are to approach a stranger and ask permission for a quick portrait (one minute!) which we can share on Instagram