The strength of any expression – photography, literature, dance, all forms of art – lies in its simplicity and conviction.
If I make a photograph to say, “you are beautiful”, then there should be nothing in that photograph except you. My message isn’t “the dress makes you beautiful”, or “you are in that beautiful place”, or “you look good in that pose”. My message is simply about you. Everything else muddles the message.
It can be hard for anyone to imagine, so I will never object to but in fact heartily encourage clients to wear outfits they love, strike poses they like, go to any location they wish. But I will always find time to sing the language in which outfits, poses and backdrops are subdued to the point of near oblivion, and the subject’s beauty overwhelms.
I live life this way, and I love people this way. I can bring my wife to exotic places. Maybe Paris – everyone says Paris is romantic. It will be a beautiful memory. But Paris doesn’t make life more romantic for us. Paris doesn’t make her more beautiful. We can fight in Paris, and make love in the slums. Love brings romance. Love makes beauty.
My studio is bare. Plain walls, simple lighting. No fancy props, no decorated stage. There’s a long table, where we dine with everyone – have food, drinks, laugh, make friends. Beauty blossoms, and my photographs take shape.