This photo of a couple kayaking at sunset on Lake Muskoka, Gravenhurst, is one of my favorites from a recent candid portrait photo shoot. The environment in Muskoka is an incredible and perfect studio for an experienced photographer. To do portraits we can avoid the standard photographic crutches that many beginners become dependent on. By having an eye for seeing opportunities to get a great shot, and the experience and know-how to get it done, a good photographer won’t have to resort to using fake lighting and backdrops, props, cheesy poses or other photography gimmicks. From the beginning of my career in photography I’ve always distanced myself from that assembly line production process and its cookie-cutter results. A good and capable portrait photographer recognizes and cares about the individuality of each subject and then takes an individual approach to creating the photos.
Finding creative and artful ways to capture people being real in the real world isn’t the quick, easy and predictable way to get portraits done but it can take portrait photos to a much higher level. For portraits to be meaningful the pictures need to be more than simple captures of faces. They should be personal, show some deeper truth, personality, heart and spirit of the subject. The picture needs to make a connection and tell a story, leave the viewer feeling they know something about the subject, or leave the viewer wanting to know more. In this example of the couple in kayaks we can’t even see faces but the silhouettes and setting captures the personalities, clearly shedding light on the relationship. It tells the story of a couple who loves to get out together in their kayaks to enjoy the views and sunsets on Muskoka lakes.
In Gravenhurst and Bracebridge, as well as throughout the rest of Muskoka, in all seasons we have a rich abundance of attractive settings and interesting activities where it’s almost always possible to create some magic with a candid portrait photo session. My approach to photography takes more time and work on my end, and less on yours, but when the end result is a photo that is really meaningful to you then any extra effort spent creating it is well worth it.
I always look forward to new opportunities to do creative informal portrait photography, and often find that covering a sport, event, party, activity or hobby can be an ideal setting to do it in a most relaxed and non-intrusive manner. Please contact me today to begin the conversation about getting your photos started for you!
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