Expressive Photography: Attitude
By: Author: J Bakken

Every picture tells a story. Photographs reveal a great deal to the viewer and they can be interpreted differently by individuals. When photographs feature people they often display a variety of emotions ranging from happiness to loneliness and every possible feeling in between. Capturing 'attitude' in a photograph takes the right photographer, the right subject (human or animal), and the right setting.
When I think of my photography where I have captured attitude I think of my ten year old niece who, when I photographed her last fall in her blue jeans and matching jean jacket, funky hat, and bright orange purse on the banks of the Macleod River, showed her own self-confidence and attitude when staring into my camera lens with a straight, but thoughtful facial expression.
She looked as though she could be featured on a billboard selling everything from the clothes and accessories she was wearing, to the river and outdoors behind her, to the concept of 'attitude' itself. She is a natural in front of the camera and felt comfortable standing, sitting, lying down, or walking away while I was snapping away. I managed to capture a handful of extraordinary shots where she looks determined, deep in thought, and wise beyond her years.
That same afternoon I captured some brilliant photographs of my twelve year old nephew wearing the usual t-shirt, baggy jeans, runners, ball cap on crooked, and carrying his skateboard. Again, the pictures could be displayed in a magazine or on a shopping mall brochure. He showed attitude when he did a few tricks and moves with his skateboard while I snapped away.
Attitude involves feeling and disposition, and to capture that on film is gratifying and even if you only get one great shot out of 36, you know you've got 'the one'and that's all that matters.

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