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| © Richard Baresall |
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"As a photographer, the high point of my work is the element of surprise -- I live for my subject's candid expression, and that rush I get when I shoot at the decisive moment."
For 43-year-old Richard Baresall, photography is a hands-on expression of his inner feelings, as he roams the streets of New York City practicing his unique brand of flash photography.
"I photograph women at close range interacting intimately with the camera and photographer," says the soft-spoken Baresall, choosing his words with the precision of a master committed to his craft.
"The positioning of my equipment is really the toughest part," he admits.
For this work, an eye-level SLR would put too much distance between Baresall and his subject, and waist-level viewfinder would be too cumbersome.
Says the part-time eBay merchant who lives and works out of his mother's house in Queens, "That's why I fashioned my own camera system out of a compact digital, a trench coat, and lots of duct tape."
With that 6MP digicam fastened just below his waistline ("Sure, the tape hurts coming off, but that's the price of art"), Baresall spends up to 12 hours a day following his photographic muse on the subways, sidewalks, and supermarket aisles of the Big Apple.
When he spies a suitable subject -- up to 160 per day ("Thank goodness for the 4GB memory card!") -- he flings open his trench coat reveals the camera, and fires with a wireless release.
"My focal length is 28mm (equivalent). Though from their expressions, I'd say many of my subjects take it for 50-, or even 100mm."
Uneven lighting and unpredictable conditions often require additional illumination. And that's fine by Baresall.
"I would prefer a long exposure," he says, "but both my subject and I are often in motion. So I pop my flash."
Baresall confesses a long-time admiration for pioneering guerilla photographer Weegee and his black-and-white classic, The Naked City. Nonetheless, this modern-day portraitist surprise shoots color and is an ardent believer in digital.
"I used to work with film, but when I'm on location, I don't have time to reload," he says. "Also, I like digital's instant gratification, and now that I print at home, I'm the only one handling my personal work."
Does he shoot RAW? "Absolutely," he says emphatically. "Aside from the trench coat, of course."
When asked if he has any tips for aspiring flash photographer, Baresall pauses thoughtfully. He puts hands into his coat pockets (he has removed the inner lining so he can reach through and adjust his equipment at will). For a few moments he fumbles with his gear. At last, he speaks.
"Take risks. Don't be afraid to experiment. And wear running shoes. Definitely, wear running shoes."
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