Taking a portrait is a collaborative exchange and negotiation of energy.
The sitter has an energy that I need to assess, and gauge how to handle.
I either meet them where they are at, or sometimes I can create a space where we can find equilibrium another way.
With Goldie...I definitely had to step up to where he was.
It was the end of the month of shooting 31 musicians in 31 days, and his manager replied.
DJ, artist and actor Goldie is in.
He would be at the studio and would have 5 minutes to spare for the shoot.
At 8:30pm he has to go.
I'd never been to the studio. I'd never met Goldie, or the manager.
I turn up, and the session is running late. Time will be even more limited.
Usually I look for the background / backdrop for the portrait.
It was a messy, dark recording studio - nothing of interest.
All of a sudden Goldie appears, as I am setting up my light.
Gotta think quick.
The light is set, I take a couple of test shots to check meters etc.
Confidence is key. Timing is key.
It's 8:28pm.
I ask him to step up, shake hands, thank him and we rattle off a few frames.
The angle, lighting and framing is set. I'm happy.
He bears his gritty, sparkly smile and teeth - I ask him to push his mouth open with one hand.
The same hand has a Goldie ring on it. F88king perfect!
Sometimes it just all comes together, and the magic happens.
With each click of the camera, he moves his hand.
We shoot 13 frames. And with the last one, I know that's it.
It's 8:29pm.
I ask him to quickly sign some mounts for the prints.
We pump fists, I say thanks and he walks out.
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This 1/1 artwork is part of the Signature Series - signed by both artists.
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NFT purchase includes a 10" x 15" archival print.
Dimensions: 3640 x 5381 pixels
License: Can be used to display privately, or in non-commercial settings, or in groups with an unlimited number of participants. The license includes unlimited use and display in virtual or physical galleries, documentaries, and essays by the NFT holder. Provides no commercial rights. Provides no editorial rights.
