Am I Doing This Right?

By Aleksandr Karjaka
Photography
Previous article
Less Is More.
Next article
The Ritual

What do I do with my Arms?

It comes up more often than you’d think. Arms, hands, hips, eyes… whatever. And not just in sessions with private clients but young models as well. Photoshoots on my end can be a nightmare on logistics, no matter how large the production. It’s a circus with 100 things on my mind to manage during the shoot. Lighting, Mood, mainly how you’re doing, but this question… this question always knocks a bit of wind out of me. Don’t get me wrong, I love the question, but it’s always asked so… innocently.

It’s often an indication that my subject isn’t with me quite yet. It’s usually early in the shoot and, if I’m being completely honest, we never actually answer this question. From here I spend a few minutes getting to the core issue at hand, which usually is why haven’t we connected yet. Once that happens, all bets are off and magic is about to rain down on this shoot.

However, it get’s me thinking, post session… why do we get so preoccupied with getting it right? Getting what right? Ladies and gents, the good news and bad… there is no right way/one way to have a photoshoot and make Art. There’s just A way… just being. Easier said than done, even for me. But being present with yourself, my team, and letting go of how things should look is the basis for Art making and your photographic metamorphosis.

So, throw those arms up in the air like you just don’t care. They’re not going anywhere but your journey is just getting started.

Aleksandr Karjaka
Aleksandr Karjakahttp://karjaka.com
Aleksandr Karjaka came to New York for the music, but stayed for the visuals. As a classically trained musician, he’s had the honor of performing with some of the greatest musicians, and artistic houses, in the world. Often quoted as "Listening through his eyes." he's photographed the lives and stories of thousands of artists of all fields over the years. Here are their KARJAKA portraits.

Check This Out

Fashion

Monday Musing: KARJAKA Does Fashion Week?

Aleksandr Karjaka -
I know, I know, I'm not a fashion photographer, or one in the traditional sense. That's been made abundantly clear over the years. I...
Photography

A Portfolio House Folds in Silence.

Aleksandr Karjaka -
It's loud, or rather, it was always loud. It was a haven for those in the world of print, a rite of passage. It was the House of Portfolios NYC, Inc. I was too late. My timing has never been great. It has always seemed to allude me. In music school, of which I spent 8 years studying and then some, taught me that keeping time in a measured manner was paramount. For me, the sound of silence excited or held anticipation for the next passage. Solos that floated through my clarinets seemed to bend time over accompanying piano, or orchestra, but playing together as a body at times felt constricting.
Letter from the Editor

Letter from the Editor: Zen and the Art of Creative-ing

Aleksandr Karjaka -
The First 10 years, no camera, just observation. Take it all in, there's a lot. Sitting in the West Village with some dear friends over a perspiring cocktail giving my life story, I lamented over my training as a classical musician and here I am building out this visual brand/empire of sorts, waxing of how the industry has changed so much in 20 years. Jay glances up at me with a small smirk and soft chuckle, "You're a creative." Period. Full stop. No explanation, no breakdown of how or why, just a passing moment and a glance as if to say, "This is who you are, you're lucky, move on." We did, and took another sip.

All Categories

Architecture9Art32Beauty5Business8Comedy1COVER STORY2Dance1Design5Editions86Fashion65Food10Health43Letter from the Editor74Lifestyle7Literature13Music41Opinion11People7Photography28Romance1Tech15Theater16Travel5Videos4

SHOP OUR PRINTS

Browse Full Editions

Related Articles

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Karjaka Magazine

The author behind The Magazine

Aleksandr Karjaka
Aleksandr Karjaka
Aleksandr Karjaka came to New York for the music, but stayed for the visuals. As a classically trained musician, he’s had the honor of performing with some of the greatest musicians, and artistic houses, in the world. Often quoted as "Listening through his eyes." he's photographed the lives and stories of thousands of artists of all fields over the years. Here are their KARJAKA portraits.

Subscribe to KARJAKA!

Get together and enjoy the artists of KARJAKA! You never know what you're going to get with the KARJAKA crew, but one thing's for sure, it won't be boring. Stay in the loop with us in weekly emails and mischievous musings from the characters and crew.