Photography is an interesting way of expressing myself. In the beginning I photographed almost everything, (Landscapes, people, windows, buildings, etc). As with most beginning photographers or artists I tried to duplicate what others had done. I personally have never got much satisfaction from taking the same photograph that someone else has, but I find sometimes not being able to stop myself.
People photography has become an obsession over the last couple years. The obsession started innocently enough, but the more portraits I have done the more I love approaching people and photographing them.
It has occurred to me after photographing and rendering many peoples faces that I am a Portraitist. I am drawn to faces of everyday people and have the ability to approach almost anyone. My wife humors me, but Im a yak . The more a face is used the more I am drawn to it. I find myself studying the face of almost everyone I pass or talk with. I think the obsession with used faces sometimes makes me pass by an individual that doesnt have that used look.
My images start out as digital images taken with a Canon 5D SLR, a wonderful camera. I do not use a studio or any assist lighting when doing my photography. All photographs are shot hand held. I dont own a flash (the Canon 5D does not have a built in flash) and never use a tripod. The photographs are normally taken after I have talked to the individual and have their permission to photograph them. I try to take a minimum of 10 or more shots in hopes of catching ones soul in one of the shots. I photograph 100 percent camera RAW and presently use "RAW Shooter Premium" to render an image which is then worked on in Adobe Photoshop CS. I attempt to present a final image that has an old painting feel to it.
Don Roberts
