I’ve been thinking a lot about my photographic manifesto.
Photographic manifesto? Are you serious?
I am, in fact, serious. I’ve been looking at lots of photographers- thinking about what I like and don’t like.
And, frankly, I like a lot of stuff. In fact, I love a lot of stuff. I love the edgy, processed look of Erik Clausen, the clean, crisp look of Jasmine Star, the creative, natural posing of Jessica Claire.
But those are three different styles. Of three different photographers- none of whom are me.
So, who am I?
Who is Sarah Frechette- the photographer? What do I believe my photographs should be? What should they represent?
Here’s what I believe. In a nutshell.
1.) Photographs should portray life as it is.
I think real life is what it’s all about. I don’t smile every minute of every day. So, why should my subjects? Some of my favorite photos of my son are when he’s tired, cranky, or downright mad; when he’s playing, oblivious to the camera; when he’s eating or bathing. There’s no reason to take 100 photos of him looking straight at the camera, smiling (although, believe me, I have my fair share of those, too). Life as it is.

2.) Relationships matter.
Relationships are the most beautiful thing I can capture on film. The loving look a mother gives her daughter, a silly exchange between siblings, a stolen kiss before before the kids march back in. There is nothing more important than the people we love, and that is what I aim to document every time I pick up my camera.

3.) Less is more.
Like I said, I like edgy, processed photos. I think they have their time and place. But right now I’m focusing on the less is more editing approach. I want people looking at the subjects, not trying to figure out what Photoshop Actions I’ve run. I want my subjects to look awesome, not edited.

4.) Natural light is as good as it gets
I have an external flash that I can use when I need to. 90% of the time that external flash remains safely tucked away in my camera case. I love natural light. I live for natural light. I will go outside in pretty nasty weather for the sake of natural light. I will move furniture, sit against hot radiators, and smush myself against windows for the sake of natural light. Natural light makes for a better photograph. Trust me.

This is where I’m at for now. Kind of an abrupt ending, I know. I’ll continue to reflect on my manifesto, updating it as time goes on, changing it as I change as a photographer.