Often when I photograph events, they’re a family affair. The images I capture and then provide to the client become keepsakes of this important day in their lives. I have to get ALL the important shots, moments, guests and details …all within a time-frame of just a few hours.
The shooting conditions are unknown until I walk into the room: Depth and height of the space, lighting, colors, windows or reflective surfaces, my mobility amongst guests and caterers, etc. I must be prepared to roll with it for whatever may come.
I like to shoot light and fast, rarely using a tripod or saddled with more than one camera, maybe carrying a second lens in a side pocket. I move quickly, gathering small groups for quick, posed snaps while keeping an eye on small, candid moments of interaction. It’s a balancing act. I must be intimate enough so that guests feel open to the camera, yet distant enough as to not take attention from their personal, family experience.
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Spending an afternoon “in the moment” with a family event, I inevitably become a part of it. I, too, watch and hear speakers, share in interactions and witness moments. Whether it be joy, insight or revelation I always take something away from the day.
When I was asked to photograph the 100th birthday party for Alfred Berger, my first response was “Wow! I’ve never even been in the room with a centenarian.” I considered myself privileged to be the chosen photographer.
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It was pretty amazing to see all of these lives touched by one man. There were generations of family, but also friends, business acquaintances, neighbors, employees, former employees etc. all with a story of how Alfred positively affected their lives. I saw, and photographed, this 100 year old man walk around for four hours speaking to each guest, still with vibrant mind, energy and interest.
Whether consciously cultivated throughout one’s life or luckily innate, the lifeforce, or energy one radiates and emits, may not rest on just one soul, but like a subtle shock-wave, it reverberates beyond the realm of time.
Hosts David Berger and Holly Maxson have made a documentary about jazz bassist and photographer Milton J. Hinton. For info on the film: www.milthinton.com/film.html
On the piano is the lovely pianist, singer, composer Janice Friedman. For more info on Janice: www.janicefriedman.com
As always, Please click on photos for larger views and feel free to comment.
Be Well,
Keith
