Frequently asked questions

What is an environmental portrait?

An environmental portrait is a photograph that shows a person in their natural surroundings, with the location playing a key role in telling a story about their life, personality, or occupation. Unlike a traditional headshot, it uses the background to provide context and depth, portraying the subject within a broader narrative. For example, a chef is photographed in a kitchen, or an artist in their studio. The setting is chosen to enhance and reveal information about the subject, making the environment a "second character" in the photo. It focuses on more than just the subject's features; it includes their work, interests, and the spaces they inhabit. It is a form of visual storytelling where authenticity plays an essential role.

Who is eligible to participate?

Any individual artist or small business owner who lives and/or works in or near Sioux Falls, South Dakota is eligible to participate in this art project.

If you’re an artist, you do not have to be an artist full-time or to rely on your art to make a living. You do not have to be well-known, or even consider yourself a professional artist. All that’s required is that you create for the love of art. You can be a painter, photographer, woodworker, fiber artist, musician, dancer, actor—any visual or performance art is valid.

If you’re an entrepreneur (separately from any art form you might be engaged in), the only requirement is that you own your own business, and that there is a physical space in which you conduct that business that can form the backdrop of your environmental portrait.

What do you need from me?

All I ask for is a bit of your time and access to your studio, place of work, or wherever you engage in your art or profession. For example, if you're a writer and you do most of your writing in your home study, that's where the photo shoot will take place. But if you're a baker, we might do it in your bakery's kitchen, or alternatively in your storefront where the bread is displayed.

I will also need you to sign a model release that allows me to exhibit and publish your likeness, and possibly a property release for any private property or unique architectural settings that would appear in the photo.

How much time will this take?

In order to ensure best results and an authentic photo, it would be good to spend about a half hour getting to know each other. I'm happy to tell you anything about myself that you wish to know, but it's also very important that I know what inspires and motivates you in your work. That knowledge will help us both to decide how to arrange the space around you (the environment part of the environmental portrait), and where to place you in that environment for the portrait. This takes maybe another 15 to 30 minutes.

Next is making sure the lighting is good. Photography literally means “writing with light”, so we have to ensure there is enough light, and the light has the right quality. Because I value authenticity and spontaneity over style in this type of photography, my lighting setup is very simple—rarely more complicated than a single on-camera flash. In exceptionally difficult light conditions I may use a dual-flash setup, but I prefer to keep everything looking natural. That means limiting myself to available light whenever possible, and using flash only to fill in shadows where necessary. The overall light conditions, as well as the color, texture and contrast of the subject and the immediate environment will determine whether the photo will be shot in color or black. & white. This part of the preparation may take 15 to 30 minutes.

Finally we will do the shoot itself. I always like to keep a relaxed conversation going while we do this, taking a photo here and there, maybe even trying a few different angles or poses, so we don't feel rushed and the portrait comes out natural. I prefer to reserve up to 30 minutes for this part.

Adding these up comes to 90-120 minutes of total session time.

Will this cost me anything?

It will cost you nothing except a couple of hours of your time at most. This is a personal art project that I'm spearheading, and I'm solely responsible for the time, energy and resources required to bring it to fruition.

Will I get paid anything?

Unfortunately, no. You will not be remunerated for the session time, nor will you receive any residuals from the sale of prints or photo books, or any other income that may be generated from this project in the future. However, you will receive a gift of a beautiful 12"x18" fine art print of your portrait as thanks for your participation.

Will my name be mentioned in any publications?

I would love to mention your name, the name of your business, and your contact information in any public display or publication that arises from this project. However, if you'd prefer to remain anonymous, please let me know and I'll gladly honor your request.