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Portrait photography, in my opinion, is the most condensed form of documentary.

My theory is this: If you can't spend a year on a subject, spend a month. If a month isn't available, go for a week. If not a week, a day. If a day is too much time, try for an hour. And finally, if an hour is too much to ask for, there is always time for just one photograph. All you need to do, then, is to try to capture the spirit of your subject, his or her (or even its) story, and try to convey the message that the subject carries.

In most assignments that I get, no matter be it a photograph for a magazine, a newspaper interview, or commercial photography, very little time is given to the photographer. In my field of work, the average time given to a photographer is anywhere from 5 to 10 min. That is unless, your name is big enough to have the 'subject' clear his or her schedule for as much time that you need. And of course, there are those 'a few seconds' sessions... Important sometimes, but not necessarily welcome (unless you want that shot BAAADLY).

I remember a photo-shoot of an American pop star, where 15 photographers (all needing enough photographs for at least a 2 page story) were crammed in a small room, and given 70 seconds to take 2 poses, all at the same time (which tells you how her management team feels about the second largest music/movie market in the world. Needless to say, from that day on, it is hard to find a news photographer in Japan that has any respect for her, her record label, or her management team). I was also at a photo shoot where a famous American Actress did a similar stunt. However, at least her team gave each photographer 60 seconds each (which is enough time for a few quick shots). And no, I'm not kidding when I say they used a stop-watch. (*1)

There are times, where the bonding of your camera, and your subject happens instantly. In these cases, time is not a problem. But in general, time is a luxury that you want to have, if you can have it.

Most photographs that I will post in the next few pages, are from my 5 to 10 min. stock. Not every portrait here will grab your heart, and mold itself into your memory. And to tell you the truth, to this day, I still do not have a single portrait that I am 100% satisfied with. However, I must say, I do love portrait work, and the good thing about it, is that as long as I stay in this line of work, and as long as I have an interest in people, you can only get better. And that, I intend to do.





	go to Portraits
Portrait photography, in my opinion, is the most condensed form of documentary. My theory is this: If you can't spend a year on a subject, spend a month. If a month isn't available, go for a week. If not a week, a day. If a day is too much time, try for an hour. And finally, if an hour is too much to ask for, there is always time for just one photograph. All you need to do, then, is to try to capture the spirit of your subject, his or her (or even its) story, and try to convey the message that the subject carries. In most assignments that I get, no matter be it a photograph for a magazine, a newspaper interview, or commercial photography, very little time is given to the photographer. In my field of work, the average time given to a photographer is anywhere from 5 to 10 min. That is unless, your name is big enough to have the 'subject' clear his or her schedule for as much time that you need. And of course, there are those 'a few seconds' sessions... Important sometimes, but not necessarily welcome (unless you want that shot BAAADLY). I remember a photo-shoot of an American pop star, where 15 photographers (all needing enough photographs for at least a 2 page story) were crammed in a small room, and given 70 seconds to take 2 poses, all at the same time (which tells you how her management team feels about the second largest music/movie market in the world. Needless to say, from that day on, it is hard to find a news photographer in Japan that has any respect for her, her record label, or her management team). I was also at a photo shoot where a famous American Actress did a similar stunt. However, at least her team gave each photographer 60 seconds each (which is enough time for a few quick shots). And no, I'm not kidding when I say they used a stop-watch. (*1) There are times, where the bonding of your camera, and your subject happens instantly. In these cases, time is not a problem. But in general, time is a luxury that you want to have, if you can have it. Most photographs that I will post in the next few pages, are from my 5 to 10 min. stock. Not every portrait here will grab your heart, and mold itself into your memory. And to tell you the truth, to this day, I still do not have a single portrait that I am 100% satisfied with. However, I must say, I do love portrait work, and the good thing about it, is that as long as I stay in this line of work, and as long as I have an interest in people, you can only get better. And that, I intend to do.

		go to Portraits
*1: I understand how it is to be hounded by photographers and press, having spent a year or two on the 'other side of the camera' for some of my books. However, there is a way arround the problem. It is called selective choice. Go for a few select magazines or newspapers that will give good press, give them an hour or two each,make the shoots and interviews 'exclusive', then have the rest attend a press conference. (Especially, if you are a big Hollywood or MTV star, and only have 3 days to spend in the country) And if the 'star' still can't hack it, just don't give interviews. Sometimes, no press is better than bad press. As a member of the media, I can also say this, medea people tend to write good about people that treat them like actual human beings, not as "tools of promotion that are a dime a dozen, who are living at our mercy'' that we are usually treated like.