MORE ABOUT DAVID’S PHILOSOPHY

David feels that it’s important to create a fun and accepting atmosphere during the photo shoot.  It’s a sensitive moment for the portrait subject as he or she will be concerned about their appearance; age, weight, wrinkles, etc.  All can be adjusted. However, more important than the skillful adjustment of the physical elements – whether it be through the careful use of lighting and angles during the photoshoot or the magical application of photoshop retouching – is the skillful adjustment of the mood of your subject.  

Bringing that mood up is at the core of David’s headshot technique. In order to get good energy flowing he gets to know his subject in a positive way.  He will always like his subject and accept them for who they are. David is an inquisitive photographer who will be looking for clues from his subject to start a conversation; to begin the schmooze (a French word for chatting).

His subject may be asking or simply wondering “Do I look good…?”  At that pivotal moment a wrong move or just a bit of inattentiveness can throw the subject off.  Thats when David will ask about something completely unrelated. Hopefully, he will hit on something early and engage his subject in distracting chatter; motorcycles, flowers, cheesecake, sunspots, Stonehendge, the history of the No. 1 Train;  you name it (he never uses the same thing twice). Thats when the magic happens. The concerns of the subject will vanish and the personality can shine through.

Sensitivity during a portrait photo session is of paramount importance to David. Whether for the corporate executive photo, for the actors headshot or for the dating photo. Using his five senses and even his sixth sense is absolutely necessary.  Noticing those small physical characteristics that his subject may be self conscience about and then, depending on the signals present or sensed, either addressing those issues – by reassuring that human being that all will be done to mitigate those  – or choosing not to say anything.  Of course always taking the extra time to choose angles and lighting – and using distractions like humor – to get that great shot!