The Beat of His Own Drums
Simply the Happiest Man Alive
That’s what she called him. “Simply the happiest man alive.”
I’d launched a book-making project about the group Sweet HayaH, and was preparing to do individual photo shoots with each band member. Kosuke (pronounced “kos-Kay”) was the first member I met with. Perpetually enthusiastic, he scheduled time with me before anybody else had even peeked at their calendars. We talked on the phone about his interests, which led us to set up shots at Shark Fin Cove, about ten miles north of Santa Cruz, California.
Kosuke is a music instructor, musician, and surfer. When Kosuke was eleven his father moved the family from Japan to California for a “temporary,” 3-year work assignment. They fell in love with this side of the Pacific, the kids convinced mom and dad to stay, and he’s been here ever since.
Bringing joy with us
I fully understand that not everybody is enthusiastic about being photographed, even if they like the results later. More than half of my subjects are less than thrilled to be in front of a camera. Kosuke didn’t have much experience being photographed, and he’s not one of those people who does a lot of selfies. But he was happy to show up and give it a try. And I love working with clients who are excited to participate. It’s joyous for both of us. He was also willing to arrive on location around sunrise - surfers are used to it - and he brought his full drum kit to meet me. It took about forty-five minutes to wheel his gear out to the right spot and assemble it, and get him properly dressed while I set up my own gear. Then we began.
The weather forecast proved to be accurate; it was sunny early. If you’ve ever counted on the weather being a certain way, well... But both of us knew that when the sun’s not blocked, the early morning light is fantastic.
Once the drumming images were complete, we played around.
These bits of silliness were derived from the 10 Ideas Practice that I’ve written about before. I always enter a shoot with at least 10 concepts to consider, whether I use them or not. Two birds.
After finishing up on the cliffs we could relax a little, and he could change clothes. Soon the light would reach the floor of the cove below. We climbed down with a single drum, surfboard and camera.
And we just hung out down there for a while, chatting and watching the surf until that area was also illuminated. Nobody else was around. Just us, the waves, and a few seagulls.
Don’t get me wrong, I also have a great time making images of reluctant people. I really do. That’s its own kind of fun. It’s both a challenge and a pleasure.
But this morning was hard to beat.
Until next time,
Limited Edition Prints for Sale
Another channel of my photography. Oof. But as promised, I’ve got this new set of Limited Edition prints available for purchase. Any unsold African wildlife images from last fall, as promised, have been retired from circulation.
Each edition consists of ten Numbered Prints and two Artists Prints, 16x24” silver halide, with certificate of authentication. As before, these are limited both by number and duration of the offer. If you’d like one or more for that special person, don’t hesitate. You wouldn't want to become he who is lost!
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i agree with susanne on this one, really like that photo. don't know about others but to me that is the most natural, the most realistic. on all the other photos (nothing wrong with them) everything looks like a promotional photo session: photographer ask the sitter to pose; that one is not.
Love, love LOVE these photos! How fun you must have had shooting them!!!