“Capturing Alaska”
    with Wayde Carroll






The Human Factor


 
    
  This week I wanted to bring up something obvious but often overlooked. People. Portraits of interesting characters you meet on your travels to be more precise.
   I see a lot of people who love to get out and take photos and love to talk to interesting locals who can add some flavor, laughter, and life to their travels. They might even get a great tip on where some great images might be found. But one thing a lot of photographers overlook is the wonderful photo possibilities in the people themselves. You don’t have to be photographing tribesmen in Africa to come up with compelling portraits!
   It took me a while to realize this and even when I finally did it took me even longer to get the courage to start asking permission to photograph people. I used to try and “steal” shots of people when they didn’t know it and that, typically, was unsatisfying. I usually didn’t get a decent shot at all and even if I did it usually felt sort of weird to be sneaking images. Also, if I was ever going to try and license these shots they were very limited without a signed modeling release. If a person is recognizable you need to have a release. So, if I got some good images without the subject knowing it they might be pleasing to me but useless in terms of my business.
   After taking all these factors in I finally realized that I needed to ask permission to take peoples photos. It was very uncomfortable at first and I’d take a photo or two and be done. But the more I tried it the more I realized that it brought me closer to my subject in a personal way- we were creating together. So far most people don’t mind and if someone refuses I politely say I understand and thank you anyway and move on. Even though you think you could have gotten an incredible photo it is more important to respect people’s wishes.
   I find that people open up a bit more after we’ve “worked together” and are often willing to give further insights to an area and sometimes even become your personal tour guide.
   After years of asking people for permission I am now quite comfortable and have no problem asking people to reposition themselves for a better background, lighting etc.. and my people photos have improved dramatically because of it.
   In some cases parts of a person are worthwhile subject matter and can say almost as much as the face. (See close up image of hands taken in Petersburg.)
   So, the next time you’re off on a photo excursion hoping to get great wildlife images, grand scenics, or macro shots of the tundra, don’t forget the people that were part of the journey. Many times they are one of the highlights of the trip. Bring them to life in your work. Let’s see the bus driver who took you out to Kantishna with all the great stories and humor, the elderly gentleman who still makes a living with his hands, the USFA interpreter on your ferry ride, and, of course, the fellow pouring your beer at the Alaskan Brewing Co. in Juneau!