On death and dying

In 1969, Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross published her seminal work on the five stages of grief in her book, On Death and Dying. Others have tried to refine it, but it remains a landmark of scientific observation. The stages and sequence she observed are: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance. I think the novel coronavirus has pushed us — and perhaps the world economy — to the edge of depression.

It’s time like these that I recall Dylan Thomas’ poem for his dying father, Do Not Go Gentle into the Night. Is it better to just accept our fate or to take Thomas’ advice and rage, rage against the dying of the light?

I am a photographer. I cannot do anything without light, so I bring my own. I apply light to my subjects to cast shadows just so. If I have done well you will emerge from the session with images that reveal an essence behind the mask that you share with the world. People who see these photographs will say yes, that is you!

How do we prepare for these sessions? First, we talk. We will discuss what you want and expect from your portrait or your headshot. The portrait of a high school graduate or a mother and child should not look like the portrait of a dancer or someone launching a new career. I will advise you on what to expect from me and of course, the price. I want to meet your expectations but if I cannot, I will say so and help you find someone else.

For starters, you should consider what you plan to do with the photos. Do you want a large centerpiece for your room to hang above your couch? Or do you want a headshot to help you get an interview? Do you want publicity photos for an advertising campaign? Or do you want to memorialize a rite of passage, such as a graduation or an an engagement? Do you want candid shots or formal portraits?

Next, you should prepare for our time together. The most important thing you will wear is your expression. But clothes do matter. Pick as many outfits as you like. From those, we will select several items together. Do you want your photos to be bright and airy? Maybe you want to share some drama or passion. Clothing helps carry the message. Regardless, the clothes should be ironed and free of lint and hair. We want to eliminate the need for elaborate retouching, which takes time and can add cost.

Women will want to take special care with their makeup and fingernails. Consider hiring hair and/or makeup sylists, and possibly a wardrobe consultant. If you don’t have one, I can help you find them but you will pay any of these professionals directly, as I take no markup. Gentlemen should also consider their appearance. Shave, or trim your facial hair. Consider getting a haircut before the session unless you want a rougher, natural look. Pick clothing that expresses the image you want to project but not something that draws attention from your expression. If we are including children, dress them however you like and let them know what’s in store. Make it lighthearted, and have treats or rewards available to keep them going. Tell them it will take some time but they will be rewarded for good behavior. If you have a family pet, invite them to join us. And please, have everyone brush their teeth before we shoot, or consider getting your teeth cleaned.

I require signed model releases for my photos so that I can share them in my portfolio. (Note: If we are shooting a commercial assignment and the photos will be used for advertising, we will negotiate terms for the use of your likeness.) I will give you a questionaire describing my services; you can use it to help you decide what you want from your session.

We can shoot outdoors, in my home studio, in larger rental studios, in your home, office or other indoor locations. If we are shooting outdoors, it’s best to start early and wrap up by 11 a.m., or to start after 2-3 p.m. and end just after sunset. If we’re shooting indoors, the time is irrelevant. If we’re shooting an event, it will dictate the time. I do not shoot weddings at this time but I am happy to shoot most any other event, ranging from birthdays to graduations, live performances, even celebrations of life that we know as wakes or funerals.

The photo session is just part of your package. I will cull the images and together we will select the best ones. Generally, this will happen within two weeks of our session together. If you need something sooner, we can arrange it. Rush jobs may incur an additional fee. I will do the initial processing and routine reouching, but if you need specialized retouching, I will help you find a professional retoucher. If you want headshots I will deliver digital images formatted for sharing on the internet. But if you want portraits, you will be ordering prints. All printing will be done at a professional lab and the price will depend on the paper and size you select, as well as any presentation formats, such as books, print boxes, framing, etc.

Take the advice of Dylan Thomas: “Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light.”

Give me a call and let’s talk about your project: 612-655-5020.