RW Spryszak is a surrealistic writer from Chicago. It’s not everyday I get to photograph an Author, so this was definitely a welcomed opportunity. He explained that he wasn’t looking for the traditional, heavy headed writer portrait. We had a nice conversation during his session and I think his personality simply came through, naturally, without too much prompting. I love all the different expressions we got! And he said something along the lines of “I don’t feel like I’m giving you much of anything here.” I said, “No really, these are great!”
And it reminded me of this quote from Annie Leibovitz, “When I say I want to photograph someone, what it really means is that I’d like to know them. Anyone I know I photograph.”
This really is one of the most magical and beautiful things about being a photographer. It’s the treasure of getting to know the people I photograph, if I don’t know them already. It’s taking the time to learn about this person, couple or family so that I can uniquely tell their story in a collection of photographs, or just one.
And what I learned about RW Spryszak is that he’s very passionate about the art of writing. He enjoys the mystery and unraveling of a person’s nerves perhaps, trying to understand the abstract. “It wont be for everyone.” And that’s OK. He’s targeted a very specific audience and my hunch is that this audience is thrilled with his talent.
Thanks again for the opportunity and best of luck on your latest work!
