Field Notes · July 5, 2026
The First Five Minutes
Before I light a face, I try to build a three-dimensional map of it in my head.
The first five minutes tell me almost everything.
Before I light a face, I stand where the subject will stand. I look at the room from their side. I check the eyeline. I look for distractions. I look at every light that is actually touching them, including the ones I did not put there.
Then I look at the face itself: skin, brow, eyes, cheekbones, hair, nose, expression. Not as flaws. As a map.
When I am directing, especially with non-actors, I try to make one thing clear early: there is no wrong way to do this. Editing will protect us. Mistakes can disappear. Impulses are welcome.
People photograph better when they feel safe.