One of my main areas of interest, using my candid “street” approach, is to take “environmental portraits” of musicians performing. Sometimes I am lucky enough to go to see them in their studios and to take their portraits “in context”. You see so much more when you observe them practicing or performing close-up. In their safe space, they relax and play, surrounded by their favourite instruments. The room is full of musical clutter and multiple instruments because the space is usually curated and private, so yoiu don’t see the expected bare room. He gears the environment to his needs only.
This blog is about Ian, a guitarist of over 50 years, who usually plays in a band, but has a solo career too.
All the images were taking with two opposing speedlites, my normal lighting arrangement.
Seeing the musician in their own context makes their story come alive. There were another three guitars as well as an electric mandolin and recording equipment. This is his happy place.
He picks up his guitar and just strums for a bit. He isn’t thinking much at this point. All you see is his hands and guitar. He slowly gets into the rhythm but the change to a relaxed posture takes a few minutes.
Seeing the broader picture makes the viewer take in the environmental portrait, rather then just the player’s hands. They move around the guitar neck with speed and are positioned accurately by years of experience.
The viewer loses the environmental context but gains insight into the degree of effort required to play a guitar solo. The musician furrows his forehead with the concentration needed to get it right. He is unaware of the camera at this point.
As I zoom out, I take the whole room into consideration, I keep all of the hand and instrument position but also the image now lets the viewer see all the musical clutter too.
Now he is in full flow. Singing to one of his own songs while accompanying himself. This is his environment and he has got to where he wanted to be, relaxed but controlling the music. Different pieces need different instruments, and he has a good supply of them! He is enjoying himself and playing to his highest standard.
His music is completed and he is satisfied. I was too.
A master musician.