It's all about Mood and Story!

The cliche of every picture tells a story is so true. It doesn't have to be something dramatic, it can be two people looking at each other or a grimace. Facial expression and body language are the key elements in portrait story telling. Obviously the environment of the image can add or subtract in strong ways, but at it's essence, body language and expression are key. Let's be clear, I'm not talking about simply flattering poses although often what doesn't seem flattering latter become iconic and cherished. Here are some examples from last night's blues jam session at the Grand Dell Saloon in Campbell CA. The house was packed with musicians, as one person described to me "blues royalty is in the house". Unfortunately, I don't know all the royalty so I just photographed the stage while I was there. I even locked my car keys and studio keys in the studio, but that's another story, the outcome of which will not be covered in this or future blogs. So here goes think expression and story telling.

Guitar players need to look a certain way to be interesting, this was a winner expression.

Singers of the blues, use their hands as a way of expression along with their face. Here John Nemeth spells out the feeling of the song with both hands and face.

I haven't mentioned lighting in this blog, but it is always key, as illustrated in this image.

Another example of catching a guitar player telling a story of the blues

And it you are patient, holding the camera up to your eye, watching for that special moment, you'll get it as in this image.

You also might want to create a special era look, for example with black and white. In this case to appear in an earlier era with a bit of wax museum feel.

The key ingredient is patience, waiting, allowing the natural flow of the scene to work its way out. Think like a predator, waiting for that moment to strike. It will be a natural and authentic look which observers of your photograph will recognize. Good luck and shoot often.