Look Homeward

The benefits of photographing anywhere but a studio

You reveal yourselves where you’re most comfortable, in your own homes with familiar surroundings—so why drag your family and yourself into the foreign territory of a camera room? Ask for a house call.

What was an incredible image yesterday is acceptable today, and will be passé tomorrow. Portrait photography requires constant evolution through discovery, education and redefinition. The more we know, the larger the repertoire of ideas and techniques we have to portray the personalities of our subjects.

As my senior portraiture evolved, I was still frustrated that the truer personalities of my subjects were revealed after the photo session. As they left my camera room, their expressions would be natural and relaxed, their faces bathed in natural light. This is one of reasons I now prefer to photograph people anywhere but in my studio.

A camera room is not a normal place for most people to be. I tried shooting at interesting locations around town, until I started to repeat myself. More important, I realized that all too often, there was no connection at all between the subject and the locale.

The obvious solution was to photograph in my clients’ own yards. Of course, outside is only half the answer. Only in the last few years did it occur to me to photograph every senior inside his or her home. I had assumed that if the house was less than elegant inside, nothing salable could be created there. Man, was I wrong! Ordinary locations can yield extraordinary results, if everyone does their share to make them so.

For home shoots, I usually carry only my cameras, a tripod, and a reflector. There’s rarely a need to use flash; windows provide plenty of light, and seniors are old enough to hold still if I ask them to.

Let your surroundings start the process. Follow inspiration’s lead. I guarantee that inspiration will produce better images than you’ve ever had before.