This shot of @andymurray is probably the best portrait I’ve ever taken.
When photographing people, my favourite shots always come in the in-between moments. Posing your model, no matter how experienced they are, can often lead to stiff looking images, so it’s important to be able to create an environment where they can play and relax.
I was lucky enough to have been given free rein of the set that Mark, James and their team created, and this moment came naturally between takes. Andy was patiently waiting for his cue, and I was ready to capture him spinning the racket. It’s vital that you never switch off during these moments where “nothing is happening”, I’ve missed so many potentially great shots because of it.
My favourite in-between moment.
🎾
@andymurray x @castore_sportswear
Production: @i_n_o_u_s_e
Director/DOP: @jameskilleendop
Creative: @mat.thornton
Creative: @ayward
Photography: @jaychow.co
Retouch: @katrine.fryer.retouch
Styling: @hstyles________
MUA: @llio.fflur
Gaffer/Spark: Robert Bogdan-Roth
Gaffer: Kristoph Szentgyorg
Spark: Danny Golds
Spark: Rachel Moule
Spark: Gary Saunders
Spark: Tamás Szabó
Production Runner: @jess_emens
1st AC: Adam Fox
2nd AC: Scarlett Gardner
Steadicam: @ozzyspoon
Master Rigger: Mark Spring
Rigger: Danny Kavanagh
Rigger: Peter Stringer
Being able to face rejection as a photographer is probably one of the most important skills.
Being asked to shoot a dream job that pays well is the goal for any of us.
“Pencil the dates in, let’s discuss rates, are you okay to travel to *insert exotic location here*?” - Er, OF COURSE.
Clients seeing your value as an artist after so many years of grinding is an extremely fulfilling way to make a living, but it comes with no guarantee.
There are no holding fees or deposits paid up front; companies get away with using the term pencil but then cancel last minute. Payments don’t land on time EVER with the odd invoice being paid ahead of time coming as a pleasant surprise.
In a highly competitive industry, I don’t see this changing. There are people just as good or better that will accept it, but that’s not my point.
This week, I’ve had a life-changing job fall through, and an opportunity to have my images published not happen. Although the initial reaction fuels my already high imposter-syndrome, it’s important to not let the rejection dishearten you.
In fact, just being considered for these publications, and for massive clients to consider me in their shortlist, surely means I’m on the right path, and it’s vital I use the disappointment as fuel for improvement rather than entertaining the ever present negative side of my brain.
Onto the next one!
