Creating multiple looks: a portrait sitting with Dario Sidhu
Without a doubt, my favourite portrait sessions are when I’m approached because of my work. Not because of availability, location, or budget. But because someone saw my portraits and said to themselves, “that’s the style I’ve been looking for!”
That’s how my portrait session with Dario Sidhu began.
Dario reached out because he liked my style. And two portraits in particular caught his eye.
The first portrait in my portfolio that caught Dario's eye.
The second portrait that caught Dario's eye.
Notice anything similar about these two shots? That’s right — they have a almost the same lighting setup! Which immediately told me Dario had a strong sense of what he was looking for.
As I got to know Dario, I learned he’s finishing his PhD in Political Science at UCLA. Focusing on comparative politics, the political economy of development, and political behaviour.
Dario Sidhu portrait look 1/4
Dario’s one smart cookie.
So, it was no surprise to learn he needed new portraits for upcoming media appearances.
During a portrait session, I aim to create a set of images that look different from each other. This way, my clients have a suite of portraits they can use for many years and many occasions.
Dario Sidhu portrait look 2/4
This means changing outfits, backgrounds, and lighting setups to generate options. Options are great. In my mind, you can never have too many options.
It’s better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it, as they say.
Dario Sidhu portrait look 3/4
At the end of every session (if my client’s game), I like to spend 10-minutes trying a new lighting setup. Something new which I’ve never shot before. It’s 100% a fun experiment. Sometimes we don’t get anything usable, but other times we get an interesting image.
This was the case for my session with Dario.
Given Dario's many studies and talents, I thought it was be interesting and fitting to create an image lit with many coloured lights. Red, green, and blue light combine to form a kaleidoscope of colour. It's interesting and futuristic.
Dario Sidhu portrait 4/4
I had such a great time making these images with Dario that I'm already looking forward to next time. Because — let’s be real — given Dario’s current trajectory I don’t think it’ll be long because he’s worn these portraits out.
Until next time, mate!