Always Testing

Everyone has a story. No doubt I’m not breaking new ground in that statement. Whether it’s a commercial/private client, or a test shoot, I’ve got to get the story, their story, generally because I’m curious about people and even more so of who’s in front of my camera. That and it’s usually the no. 1 topic people like talking about, so it eases most people into the portrait. Cliche, possibly, but there’s a reason why artists personify themselves as storytellers. Personally I’m over it in it’s overly abundant everyday usage. That being said… this is the story of Garnett. 

There’s a reason why painters test and sharpen their skills with fruit still lifes. For me and my team, it’s no different than any other engineer testing for system weaknesses. Imagine if test pilots didn’t test the conditions of their aircraft? Artists are always testing so when the moment arises, those issues of the past are readily adaptable and are able to deal with the stress of the present issue.  

Originally I had just planned on taking some  snaps with G and testing out the lighting setup in my remote studio. I’m always testing. Older and younger generations have vocally expressed their displeasure of having to test, let alone do it with any regularity. 

Exploring what to try next with the light while staying in the moment, life unfolded and I found myself immersed in what the Zen master’s story. His story is as riveting as the thousands of stories that have come before his in my life. Here a quick test portrait of Garnett’s journey featuring Kevin’s Study No. 10, Amanda’s Experiments in Silence, Nicole’s Just Breathe, Jeff’s Stress and Fashion Connection, Craig, the Nutty Professor and Ozempic, and finally Kat’s Stress, Cake, Steel and Glass in this month’s edition. 

Test it. Tease it. Try it out. Delight in what awaits. Desire you. De-stress with KARJAKA.