Saschia Ryder

“This was by far the most enjoyable photo shoot I have ever done — it didn’t feel like being photographed.” — Saschia Ryder | dancer | Paris

Each portrait session IS different. We are all individuals and the purpose of a portrait is to reflect this individuality. Saschia is used to the lens; she has great confidence, but I wanted to arrive at the point where the lens was no longer any more important than her; for a lens tends to intimidate, and even the confident model sets up a relationship with the lens that then dictates what they show of themselves. I wanted Saschia and the lens to be equals.

Achieving this aim included me attempting to become invisible. I tried to avoid being directive. Few words were spoken.

Also it’s important to me that I don’t act or look like a photographer. In other words the photographer should not pretend to be more important than their model. I want people to be at one with themselves — whatever that emotion or feeling or knowledge is.  I’m not interested in pretence. So I go with the moment. I wait and watch intently. I only shoot when I feel no choice.

These images were made inside, the lights low (no studio lamps) sunlight raking through the windows (but it’s February and the sun was sporadic and weak). I shot on ISO200 (because it produces cleaner skin tones on my Canon DSLR). In other words I was on the limit with an extremely shallow depth of field to focus on. I used a wide angle because it was clear that I needed to include more than Saschia’s head for these images to qualify as portraits of her. There were a few constraints in the room which eliminated certain angles I would have explored. But then again, constraints, or should I say perceived constraints, can be a good thing. If only because they make us — certainly me — work harder.

More images of Saschia: here