I know I've said this before, but I feel privileged when asked to take someone's senior portrait. This is a pretty import photograph marking a pretty big milestone in some ones life. So I really want to make this something special. I don't really think so much about what a senior portrait is supposed to look like, rather what can I do to make this person's picture stand out and more importantly stand for who he or she is. This isn't easy and sometimes I can't find that connection that defines the person(and I know people are far more complex than one image can cover). Today I photographed Noah Marvin who is one of the premier QB's in this area expected to have a stellar senior year. We spent a couple hours making photos with and without his football gear. Now I've known Noah since he was little and I know I took a photograph of him years ago that he didn't like(at least at the time) when his big sister grabbed him after he and his little league buddies won the district title and laid a giant kiss on his cheek. I really liked that picture and I think it even won a clip contest back then. I've watched him grow up somewhat and he is a respectful young man with a bright future. One thing I noticed looking at the photograph of him at the bottom of this post is that he does have a strong resemblance to his dad Toby Marvin who I've also photographed many times as a wrestling coach for Saegertown and Ft. LeBoeuf. Its this sort of connection to the community that is really beginning to sink in to me now---I want to make a nice picture that hopefully stands out for this family, not because I want to make money, but because I feel they are apart of the same community I am and that we are somehow connected this way. I hope this shows through in the work in the end. I really want to make images that families want without settling for something that looks like every other senior picture from every other time. SayerMotter Photographs by Richard Sayer.
AWESOME JOB RICHARD!! LOVE THEM AND CAN'T WAI TO SEE MORE :)
Reply
Tracy
8/9/2011 08:05:09 am
I am Noah's Aunt and I am so very impressed by your photographs. In just these four photos, I see that you have already captured some elements of Noah's personality. I'm anxious to see the other photos. Job well done.
Reply
Bev Marvin
8/9/2011 08:05:10 am
The pictures are so unique and just awesome! A great job!
Noah's grandparents!
Reply
Shelly Marvin
8/10/2011 06:25:14 am
Richard you have again, done an amazing job! I remember the picture of Hilary and Noah you're talking about, those are wonderful memories. Thank you for doing Noah's pictures! Noah's MOM.