My new mantra C.I.A is working, but a work in progress.
C for Control/Composition/Concept/Communication, which is the main one I need to work on.
The realtiy is, you need to assert control over your cencept for the shot from the very beginning. Anything less and it quickly gets out of hand. Sometimes you need to let things roll until you can get your shot, but make sure you get yours, not the one someone else thought would be good.
The other day I was shadowed by a very pro-active journalist who kept “suggesting” shot ideas in the middle of a flowing situation. I was reacting to what I saw, while he was trying to choreograph me and the two processs were basically filling the same space. I respectfully asked him to let me do my thing and he do his and all was good, but two cooks……. .
In situations like this I like to shoot first, ask permissions later. If I stop proceedings, the moment is lost. Concept is simple, shoot what is happening always, not just at set times, with Interaction and Action coming along for the ride.
Taken quickly while another interview was being conducted (I was shooting that one over-the-shoulder, so this was over-the-shoulder of the over-the-shoulder), this shot ended up being used over all the set shots. My concept here is always to capture an unguarded moment, so the trick is to be prepared.
I for Interest/Interaction is easier.
This is simply putting the subject into their space and letting them do their thing. Hands need to be busy and people relax when performing a familiar task, so you are getting what you want while empowering them also. Interactiona can also be between members of a group.
On a recent shoot for a Rotary fund raiser, the subjects were asked to don beanies for the photo. The shot we used actually came from the set-up as they laughed and mingled while putting them on.
If you have nothing, then concentrate on interactions between people or even with the camera.
All Interaction.
A fleeting glance creates an Interaction. Shots like this break sequences of action shots nicely.
Action and Interaction. Concept took care of itself.
This shot’s Concept was Communicated, with Interaction added in the foreground, Interest in the background and then the Angle and Action were added.
A is for Action/Angle.
Once the concept is formed and an interaction decided on, it is time to add either action and/or an angle. Flat wall photo’s be damned, always create an Angle for Interest and compliment the intended “Angle” of the story. The Interaction can be as simple as leaning or touching, but the the Angle adds dimension.
In situations like this, it is easy to give the whole thing up to the Action only, but Composition and Interactions are still as important.
C.I.A. It’s working as well as I let it.