In our visually driven world, the quest to present oneself appealingly in photographs touches everyone, transcending body types and societal trends. This universal desire often collides with the loud, sometimes polarizing narratives of body positivity movements, which, despite their noble intentions, can inadvertently promote a singular vision that rarely aligns with individual perspectives or universal truths based in reality.
Yet, at the heart of all visual art—including professional photography—lies the foundational artistic principles of lines, shapes, forms, texture, color, and space. These elements are not only artistic tools; they are the very lenses through which we perceive and appreciate the world, organically imbuing art or photographs with an intrinsic inclusivity. For professionals like myself, who have a deep understanding and continual practice in applying these principles across various mediums, viewing the world—and especially the subjects we photograph—transcends the conventional dichotomies of fat vs skinny, tall vs short, and so on.
My approach is not static but is continually refined through ongoing study and the practical application of art and design principles in diverse mediums. This dedication to skill development enables us, as professionals, to distinguish our perspectives from the general public's often divisive discourses on body image. We see beauty in a more refined and poetic light, one that is not mandated by societal demands or quotas but emerges organically from our desire to explore and express.
The difference in our approach is profound. While the mainstream may be preoccupied with meeting arbitrary inclusivity metrics—calculating representation by percentages—we focus on honing our craft to capture the essence of our subjects more authentically. This focus shifts the conversation from one of mere inclusion to one of genuine celebration of individuality. Our work is not driven by external pressures to conform to specific narratives but by an internal commitment to artistic integrity and the continual pursuit of excellence.
Through this lens, the physical characteristics of someone's body become elements of a larger composition, integral to the visual harmony we're creating together. It's this nuanced perspective that distinguishes professionals who excel from the mainstream viewpoint, allowing us to capture beauty in ways that defy and transcend societal labels.
Yes, even as professionals, we are acutely aware of the diverse spectrum of the human form, from the variances in shapes and limbs to the myriad hues of skin color and the unique compositions of each body. To pretend otherwise—to overlook these differences—is to ignore the very essence of the individuals we aim to portray. However, these characteristics, while noticed, do not constrain our work. Rather, they offer us the privilege of working with a rich palette of human features, enabling us to craft images that are as varied and profound as the stories they tell.
So, when asked if there is a difference in photographing a skinny versus a big person, or a short versus a tall one, the answer lies not in their physical differences but in how we, as artists, perceive and portray these variations. It all comes back to lines, shapes, and forms, and the perspective with which we view them. Our role is not to judge or conform to societal pressures but to capture the beauty in everyone, using the same principles of art that have guided creators for centuries.
In this light, our work transcends superficial labels, focusing instead on the universal beauty that each individual possesses. So, the question isn't really about the differences in our subjects but about the commonality in our approach to them. It's a celebration of humanity, in all its diverse forms, through the timeless lens of art.
Do we see differences? Of course. But it's how we choose to view and work with those differences that define our professionalism and our art.
In the end, it transcends even lines, shapes, and forms; it's about the vibrant energy that animates all of these elements, bringing them together to tell a story—your story. This energy, unique to each individual, is what we strive to capture, making each photograph not just a picture, but a reflection of the soul.
As we draw this exploration to a close, examining the artful whys and hows of our distinctive approach to professional photography, let's pause to reflect on personal perceptions. How do your beliefs about what constitutes a 'good' photograph resonate with, or differ from, a professional's artistic vision? Consider how the way you view yourself might shift if you were to see yourself through the eyes of an artist, who finds beauty in every individual’s unique story. Might you see beauty in yourself that you hadn't noticed before? Embracing this new perspective could be the key to unlocking an appreciation for your own narrative as captured through the lens.
