Lately my focus has been on finding a job in a newspaper. Anywhere. I could likely be anywhere in the country in 3 days, ready to work. Because I've been so distracted with finding work, I haven't been making any new work. This is a problem. So with that in mind I'm going to start work on a series of portraits focused on Oregon City. I want it to act as a visual census of who is in Oregon's first capitol, what their wearing, how they smile, what they do at their job or how they're going about finding a job. The first round of shooting begins today with a simple goal. I want one take-away portrait and a quick five minute interview. This first round of portraits will be environmental, full body pictures. Both enviro and full body are difficult for me and I need to get into the habit of shooting full length. Each portrait will be accompanied by a video interview where (hopefully) the subject will talk about Oregon City, what they do, where they're from, family, what they do for fun and a quick note on religious and political affiliation.
I'm still not sold on the second round. Right now I'm envisioning a formal portrait with big soft light and an army green backdrop. Simple lights, 45* pose. I don't want to directly copy Dan Winters but his stuff just looks so damn good. Also, I think I might be able to get my hands on some gold/brass colored velvet curtains which could be a cool background. I want these to look like the photo equivalent of old formal painted portraits.
But I need to get out and shoot one portrait today. Just one today and then another tomorrow and the day after that. Game on.
