I am in the middle of rebuilding my portfolio. Sounds simple, but it is a whole lot more difficult than I ever imagined. One of the issues that I have come across is the famous person vs. the better but lesser known artist. We all want to fill out portfolios with great looking images and preferably well know people. So the decision becomes when to cut the image of the famous person. Lets look at an example:
The following shots of Chad Smith of the Red hot Chili Peppers all made the first round of cuts and I really wanted at least one of these in my portfolio. The problem was, I wanted it in the portfolio because he is Chad Smith and he does play in the Chili Peppers, not because any of these are that awesome drummer shot. So in the end, I cut them. It’s not that I’m not proud of these and in the past, they would have made the cut. All of them have the drums sticks visible, all of them have a moment, all of them are good. But are they the BEST drummer shots I have ever taken? No. They are not…
So what drummer shots did make the portfolio? You will just have to wait and see…
I, of course, don’t have this problem in deciding whether to include the familiar subject vs. the less familiar since I am a small town sports and stage photographer but I am glad to see you raise this issue, even if you decide to go with the more recognizable. I see a lot of work out there in the sports genre, hollywood stars, in particular, where I think the photographer, more often than not, depends on the recognition factor of the subject to carry his/her work. Of course, there are many exceptions to this but I really think it is important to put that aside sometimes and consider what is the more interesting or most artistic image I have, regardless of the subject’s fame, or lack thereof. So I think this is a great thought provoking topic that should be discussed more often. Also, thanks for sharing your images and tips. I really enjoying looking at your work.
Would candid green room photos also be appropriate for a concert portfolio or should the portfolio only be stage images?
This is just my view, and i am new at this but the best shot is some what more pleasing than a well knowen artist, i may be a toss-up tho. Some one like you that has had the chance to shoot some well knowen people you have just put your seff between a rock and a hard place. So far these images look great.
This is just my view, and i am new at this but the best shot is some what more pleasing than a well knowen artist, i may be a toss-up tho. Some one like you that has had the chance to shoot some well knowen people you have just put your self between a rock and a hard place. So far these images look great.