Portrait Photography, Photography Tutorial

When you are describing, 

A shape, or sound, or tint; 

Don’t state the matter plainly, 

But put it in a hint;

And learn to look at all things, 

With a sort of mental squint.

-Lewis Carroll

The Japanese have a philosophy known as Wabi Sabi which focuses on imperfect photography and its transient and impermanent nature of things plus the beauty in things which are old and/or imperfect. Wabi Sabi photography focuses on subjects which are old, have wear and tear, have scratches, rust, pimples, blemishes, cracks and various other imperfections. It is these very same imperfections that actually make the photograph stand out! Wabi means sad, lonely and desolate while Sabi implies the progress of time and its effect on things. It connotes tarnishes, decay and the aging process.

Some of the places that can be shot in Wabi Sabi photography include scrap yards, deserted beaches, run-down  or condemned buildings  and ghost towns. In short, Wabi Sabi is all about imperfections.

The disabled but daring and highly talented photographer Rasso Bruckert is known for taking amazing photographs of disabled persons. In his photographs under the theme ‘perfect imperfect’, he takes striking, elegant and sensual photographs of disabled persons who are either nude or half-nude. His photographers proof that there is beauty and creativity even in the seemingly imperfect.

We tend to avoid imperfections but there is a lot of creativity hiding in the less-than-perfect subjects, lighting or equipment. Rather than running away from or getting rid of imperfection, you should deliberately seek it! Here are a few ways in which you can seek imperfection.

Make up

Break make up rules. Let your subjects apply too much make up. Let them apply make up that is highly unsuitable for their skin tone. Apply make up on inanimate subjects! Apply make up on flowers! Do the opposite of this. Let your models apply no make up at all. Rather than cover up blemishes, black spots and pimples, use make up to enhance them! You are sure to get some interesting and creative photographs!

Plan Imperfection

Sometimes it is difficult to come across imperfect photography. You may have to go out of your way to find it. You may even have to create it. Set aside ‘imperfection days’ where you only photograph imperfect subjects, landscapes, objects and so on. Another way of planning imperfection is by first knowing what makes a photograph perfect or close to perfect. Once you know the techniques, tips and tricks of getting a perfect photograph, you can then go ahead and break all these rules – knowledgably.

Focus on Flaws

Society is obsessed with perfection. Skinny models are preferred. Cute, laughing babies are preferred. Happiness is preferred. In order to seek imperfection, you will have to look out for the opposite of what society considers perfect. Take photos of overweight people. Take photos of crying children or a terrible two having a tantrum! Take photos of people who are angry or sad. Take photos of wilting flowers. Instead of taking wedding photographs, take photographs of divorce proceedings (obtain permission first, of course!) Instead of taking photos of graceful ballerinas, dancers or athletes, take photos of them falling flat on their face! Instead of taking photos of the winning team, take photos of the losing team – and their fans! Instead of taking photos of fresh vegetable, take photos of rotting vegetables!

Reflections and Red Eye

When you use reflections while taking photographs you can get some wonderful effects and photographs. You can use water, mirrors, windows or any surface that is able to reflect the less than perfect subject. Additionally, reflected light can improve the less than perfect light available.

The red eye effect is caused when photos are taken in a dark setting and the flash from your camera reflects off your subjects’ eyes. This red glow is as a result of blood vessels being illuminated in the subjects’ retinas. Do not be quick to avoid or remove (using Photoshop), this red eye effect. Deliberately seek to cause this effect and find creative ways to turn an imperfection into something creative! For example, the red eye effect can lend a ‘horror’ feeling to your otherwise bland and boring photograph!

Motion Blur

Motion blur is often used to portray a sense of speed.  Using slow shutter speeds you can turn your less than perfect subject into something interesting and creative. Also low lighting  and a shaky hand can ensure a blurred photograph!

Contrast beauty with ‘ugliness’

Seeking imperfect photography doesn’t have to mean that you totally ignore beauty. You can contrast beautiful subjects with ‘ugly’ backgrounds and vice versa. For example, you can take a dirty, used, cracked, discarded toilet and place it in the middle of a beautiful garden or meadow full of colorful, blooming flowers. Apply foundation that has titanium dioxide or zinc oxide on your subject. Or apply chemical-free sunscreens on them. This will make the subject’s face (or surface) look lighter than the areas where the make up or sunscreen has not been applied. You can deliberately use this effect to get more creative photographs!

Shadows

Shadows can add a creative element to a photograph that would otherwise be technically incorrect, bland, boring or uninteresting.  Shadows tend to emphasize emotion and they can also create unreal, surreal photography.

In Summary, imperfect photography can embrace creativity and in a sincere way, identify truth in many subjects.

Portrait Photography, Photography Tutorial
Portrait Photography, Photography Tutorial
Portrait Photography, Photography Tutorial

Portrait Photography, Photography Tutorial

Related terms: Tips for How to Take Good Portraits, Tips for Taking Portraits, Tips for Taking Portrait Photography, About Portrait Photographers, Take Great Portraits, Family Portrait Tutorial, Taking a Portrait, Studio Portrait Photography Tutorial