According to the dictionary the meaning of the word “muse” is as follows:
Muse n.
1. Greek Mythology Any of the nine daughters of Mnemosyne and Zeus, each of whom presided over a different art or science.
2. muse
a. A guiding spirit.
b. A source of inspiration.
3. muse A poet.
Check out definition (2.b.) above. This definition of the word ‘muse’ is probably the one most photographers relate to and it’s definitely the one I’ve been able to relate to lately.
I’ve realised that I’ve been shooting the same person over and over to the point of exclusivity lately. Of course, the fact that she’s gorgeous and always near must have something to do with it.
What’s fascinating is the change I’ve come to see in both myself and the model when you work together over prolonged periods. I’m sure this is nothing new to more seasoned photographers, but it’s new to me, and I like it.
I look through the shoots and random shots I have of her and you can see the difference. In the earlier shots you can see the timidness, the inexperience, the uncomfortable poses, whereas in the later shots, you see a confidence, a rapport and chemistry that makes such a difference in the shots. I’m not sure how to explain it, but the natural look, the un-posed look that I crave so much seems to come more naturally now.
I’ve noticed that we’ve arrived at a level of understanding that’s taken time to develop. It’s a comfort and trust level that’s been earned. She now instinctively knows what I’m looking for in a shot, what I’m trying to show. She understands that I don’t want her to pose and she gets this without me having to tell her over and over. She knows I’m looking for that natural candid look. With just a few words I can let her know what I’m trying to achieve or what’s not quite right with the shot and she’ll know what to do. I don’t need to spend a bunch of extra time trying to explain myself in numerous ways to finally have the penny drop. She just gets it as soon as she sees me reaching for the camera.
Let’s put aside the gorgeous eyes, the infectious smile, that beautiful hair and all the other things that give me inspiration and a craving to want to shoot her more and more. All the things that make her my muse, my source of inspiration. This understanding that develops over time just rocks!
However, there’s another side to this coin. Is shooting the one model exclusively doing more harm than good? I realize she inspires me, I appreciate the qualities I mentioned above in addition to convenience, accessibility, and her willingness to stand in front of my lens with little or no complaining. But what does this mean in regards to my photography? Am I limiting my development? Is photographing the one subject for a longer period of time more detrimental than beneficial? Is variety really the spice of life when it comes to this stuff?
What I’ve come to realise is that there are definitely more advantages than disadvantages. The relationship and rapport you begin to develop with a subject over time far outweighs any lack of variety in regards to shooting different people.
Although it is limiting in regards to the development of a varied portfolio that shows you’ve worked with various models and have the ability to work with different people, I think it’s more of an in-depth study of both the model you are working with and of your own style and aesthetics. Finding your own style and aesthetics is one of those long-term goals and if maintaining the same model while changing all the other variables helps me get closer to understanding my own style, then so be it.
So consider this a warning. You’re gonna be seeing a lot more of her whether you like it or not! That doesn’t mean I’m not going to shoot anything or anyone else, but it does mean I’m going to keep shooting her ’til my finger bleeds and see where it takes me.
