essays
That Candid Moment before the Mask
perfect imperfection before the stage is set
Staging a portrait is literally that – putting someone on a stage to act out a role that portrays themselves. Just too aware of the camera and the attached intruder, any natural gesture gets banned behind masks that bear questionable resemblance to genuine human emotion.
To me, the epitome of portrait candidness is the short-lived obliviousness before the stage is set and it thrives on the imperfection of anticipating the "picture-perfect" moment.
"[…] portrait candidness is the short-lived obliviousness before the stage is set and it thrives on the imperfection of anticipating the 'picture-perfect' moment."
Once the subjects have put on their masks, it is difficult to get through to their real selves. But there are still ways to keep things honest and capture the perfect imperfection – the key is to be ready when the self resurfaces: with the shutter lying in wait or shooting away multiple frames, a candid moment in-between masks is waiting to happen.
Talk and humor help too. Poking people in the right places can re-naturalize the set-up setting.
"While staged portraits can convey powerful emotions and sincere character traits, they are an invitation to imitate rather than actually feel."
While staged portraits can convey powerful emotions and sincere character traits, they are an invitation to imitate rather than actually feel. Candid portraits speak to a curiosity that can only be satisfied with the very emotions someone feels in the moment the shutter snaps.
