Why Everyone Else's Portraits Look That Way

Many photographic portraits try to mimic formal portrait painting in both style and posing technique.  In traditional portrait painting, the subjects out of necessity had to remain still for long periods of time - a "sitting". And often the objective of formal portrait painting was an idealized image of the person, not a "natural" one. And why not? Paintings take a good amount of time and effort to produce, it's unlikely several would be made of any one person, so it made sense - and the medium was conducive to - producing a formal idealized portrait of the subject.

Early photography was also conducive to "formal" portraiture. Photographic emulsions were slow and people had to sit still to have their photograph taken. As a new medium, it was also logical that stylistically it would mimic the older medium of painting.

While there is certainly still a place for formal portraiture in both painting and photography, one of the great assets of modern photography is the ability to capture the spontaneity and naturalness of the human spirit. It is that ability - which is almost completely ignored in the conventional portrait photography world - that makes Not Your Ordinary Portraiture possible and so compelling to the people being photographed!

"So Who Is This Guy, Anyway?"

Gary Friedman actually has quite a diverse background. A 10-year veteran of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, he is also an engineer, inventor, musician, big brother, author of two books, and holder of several patents. He has also run his own computer network consulting firm for five years, has done a tour of duty with two dot-coms, and now spends his time as a successful travel photographer, business consultant, and traveling musician (he's one of the top Xaphoon players in North America). You can see some of his fine art and travel photography at www.FriedmanArchives.com.

Gary has earned a reputation as being one of the more open and approachable photographers in the business. Everyone who goes through his studio discovers that photo sessions can be fun and they are always delighted with the results!  Currently, Gary is grouping sessions together based on geography: One weekend will be spent in the San Fernando Valley, one in Orange County, and one in San Diego (all in Southern California).

Although his travel schedule can sometimes get hectic, families who are able to book a session get the benefit of lasting memories, and exceptional photos that they just can't wait to show off to their friends and family!

Intrigued by what you see?  Want to get more information about the experience or to book a photo session??  Click here to Order an Infopak or book a session!! 

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