strangers in a frame

Elisse was the first “model” for my tattoo project. We arranged a meeting that landed me at a gathering of friends, thus providing me with an audience for my debut. She was incredibly kind, and sweeter than her decadent artwork. I wanted her portrait to convey those qualities which struck me immediately, in much the same vein as her tattoos. It was equally important to showcase her tattoos, but not focus on them. Elisse has a naturally dramatic look, but this meeting was so lighthearted that I wanted to preserve that whimsy in the quality of the light. The environment looks and feels as comfortable as it was. I kept the background simple without altering any of the items in the home. Her arms are asymmetrical and composed without intention, contrarily I very much intentionally used the window frame to create an asymmetrical framing and separation of her bust and body. She is not overly posed, as the main purpose for this series was to show people as they are. Elisse was already sitting with arms crossed, I simply asked that she sit up straight. It’s amazing how comfortable people become when you engage them. We talked through the entire session, which was rather brief, but as soon as I made a request she looked right at the lens. This may be the gentlest and endearing confrontational portrait I have ever taken.

  msieja2 Jul 5, 2013 11:07 AM