Scientists are technical by nature. After all, they have to deal with data that must be carefully recorded in order to be replicated. Science is objective, structured and methodology paves the road for results. Artists tend to be the antithesis to that rigorous type of thinking, often relying on feeling and flow with plenty of room for interpretation. Results are subjective and different people will interpret artistic work differently. Both disciplines have their set of rules and, once understood, can be manipulated according to the desired results. Regardless of all that, we can definitely state that science and art are polar opposites in the way our brain deals with them. We can also state that photography definitely has a foot in the realms of both science and art. The reason I bring this up is because I had an interesting conversation with JD, a group member I had the good fortune of going to the American Model Photo Shoot in NYC.

American Photography Magazine, along with Sigma Corporation, hosted their annual Model Shoot in New York City this past Saturday. The event opened with registration at 8am and continued until the modeling lights were shut down at 4pm. It made for a long, exhausting day of shooting that was by far one of the most fun experiences I've had. It was also a frustrating experience. It was fun and exciting because I had the opportunity to shoot New York models in New York. Not that being New York models or taking photos in New York somehow make the models or the photos any better. Frankly, they weren't any more professional or beautiful than models I have shot here in Connecticut. However, I do love getting into the city and for me, personally, that was one of the reasons for attending this event.

"My name is J_ and I am looking for new locations for family portraits in the area. I've taken pictures in town, around the walking trails, at the park and beach. I've even taken pictures at the (insert landmark here)... but I am bored and would like to try a new location. Do you have any recommendations?" I thought I would share this email with you because we, as photographers, have been there. Probably more than once. It feels like that little muse of inspiration has stopped whispering in our ears and suddenly everything we do seems uninspired. While at first glance the above request seems straight forward, there are several layers that I feel can be addressed. On the surface I could easily reply back with any number of places I have come across in the past or perhaps some suggestions based on feedback from others. However, I feel any list would be arbitrary as there are so many factors involved; previous visits, personal taste, her family's tastes, ...

Anyone who has ever held up a camera to snap a photo of someone has heard these words; "Please don't. I look awful!" "Put that camera down. I hate having my picture taken." These, and other similar remarks, are usually followed with some desperate move to block, or otherwise obscure, the lens. The resulting image is a failed attempt at what could have been a nicer picture. All because the subject felt self-conscious or embarrassed by being in front of the camera.