Jonathan Gayman | Photography

Making It Easy

I did a quick shoot yesterday in the office of a employee for the firm’s website. We needed a casual, seamless shot like most of the photos I’ve been taking. She was a bit nervous and, like most people that I’ve shot, she said she was terrible at getting her picture taken. I assured her that everyone can have good pictures taken of them and then proceeded to chat with her and make her laugh as I tried to get the shot I needed.

When she left, she said “Thanks for making this easy.”

And of course I realize how important that is — that part of my new job as a photographer — to make it easy for the subject, to get them to relax, to create the mood that is needed to get the shot. I heard an interview on one of the photography podcasts that I listen to these days (Lightsource) where a photographer was explaining how important it is to stay calm on the set. He said that the photographer sets the tone, and even if something goes horribly wrong, you’ve got to keep it together or everyone freaks from the client to the model to the assistants.

Having been the client to photographers is a huge help to me now that I’m behind the camera. My experience with the photographers that I’ve hired as a designer has shown the importance of a calm and collected photographer. One in particular that I’ve used is extremely laid back and everything goes like clockwork every time – I’m confident that everything is going to be ok. Another photographer I’ve used is always scattered and there was a feeling of stress throughout the shoot, and I’m constantly on edge. As a client if I don’t feel comfortable, and I’m worried about the final product, I still feel uneasy about ti even though the shots ended up working. Therefore, that photographer doesn’t get as much work from me as the ones that make me feel confident.

This is especially important for a newbie like me, where I have to try very hard not to sweat or fumble around or scream randomly while on the set. I’m spending so much time trying to keep myself calm, that I worry that I’m not doing enough for everyone else, especially the subject. I’ve got 100 things running through my head, from the camera to the lens to the lights to the backdrop to ohmyfuckingodIhopeIdon’tfuckthisup.

After my client left yesterday, a coworker who sits outside my little studio overheard her comment, popped his head up and said “Smooth Jon, very smooth.” I shrugged like it was no big deal, but honestly, having the subject thank me for making it easy made my day.