One of the things I'm thankful for in my photography career is that I have had the opportunity to work with some of the best photographers in the world. While I was at Canon, I had the opportunity to work with and learn portrait and lighting techniques from photographers such as Bruce Dorn and Bob Davis. In more recent years, I had the opportunity to work with Sam Abell, former staff photographer at National Geographic. These opportunities have been invaluable in helping me become a more well-rounded photographer, able to pull off more than just a pretty landscape. While landscape photography is still my primary creative outlet, I do love creating portraits, whether in a formal session, or under more informal circumstances.
Maine Portraits: Getting Outside of My Box
September 30, 2023
Steven was preparing for three days at sea, working 400 lobster traps. I met him while photographing lobstermen in Harpswell.
This week, I had the opportunity to work with renowned photographer Christopher Michel, currently the inaugural artist-in-residence at the National Academies of Science. Chris was leading the workshop, "A Portrait of Maine", produced by Santa Fe Workshops. Chris's work is notable for his exceptional compositions, as well as his use of dramatic light with deep shadows. Thankfully, he's very willing to share his knowledge and pass it along to others, and I was thrilled to be asked to assist on the workshop.
An old lobsterman surveys a stack of lobster traps as he prepares for the day.
One of the days of the workshop, we ventured out to one of the many harbors in the area to photograph lobstermen at work. We had called and arranged it with one of the lobster companies beforehand, so we didn't just surprise them. What was surprising was how accommodating they were, patiently allowing us to photograph them, ask about the lobstering life, just share some laughs. While wandering around the wharf I was able to make some of the photos you see here, hopefully capturing the personality as well as the toll that life on the water has taken.
Steven was so accommodating as we chatted him up and asked about being a lobsterman. We shared a lot of laughs and he told us some of his stories.
While working with the lobstermen, I tried to recall every lesson I'd ever learned regarding portrait work. Finding good light, posing my subject, and composing the image to tell a story. I'm pretty happy with the images I made and find myself inspired to try my hand at more portraiture when the opportunity arises.
A lobsterman takes a break near the bait shack on an autumn afternoon in Harpswell.
The day after we photographed lobstermen, the group photographed some models at a resort on the midcoast. This was a more formal setting, with people there expressly to get their photos taken. Some of the models had previous modeling experience, while others were first timers we asked to model to give us a mix of styles and looks.
A lobsterman leans against the door to the workshop.
Overall, this was an amazing experience that makes me thankful I am able to do what I do for a living. I am in my third year working for Santa Fe Workshops, and really enjoy meeting the people I meet and the photographers I get to work with, both the instructors, and those who attend the workshops to learn more.
I photographed Rebecca as part of the Portrait of Maine workshop by Santa Fe Workshops. I used one of Christopher Michel's techniques for getting good natural light on portrait subjects.
I photographed Rachel at a midcoast resort on this workshop. I always enjoy capturing portraits and meeting people when I take their portrait.
Rita was one of the photographers on the workshop. During a lull while photographing lobstermen, I made her portrait after noticing how nice the backlight was and not wanting to waste it.
Posted in Subject Spotlight, Maine, Portrait and tagged portrait, Maine, Christopher Michel, photography, lobstermen, .