Spotlight on Darron Silva

( Darron R. Silva/Naples Daily News)

 

TID:

 

What perfect timing on this image. It looks almost as if it's stage, but it's an actual moment.

Can you tell us a little about the beginning of the shoot and why you were there?

 

DARRON:

 

Thanks for letting me be a part of this great blog. I have been a fan since it launched, and I use it in the classroom for my students on a regular basis. I'm thrilled you picked this photo - it is a personal favorite of mine. The moment is so perfect that I can see how it would appear to be staged, but I can assure you it is not. As a photojournalist I have very strict ethics, and would never, ever, set up a moment. When I looked back through the take I realize it looks a little strange, but that is simply because the subjects are dancing. If you put a little R&B grove down in your brain when you look at the pics, it makes more sense. 

 

This image is from a shoot I did on Spring Break at Fort Myers Beach, FL, while working as a staff photographer for the Naples Daily News. It was one of those days when you realize how being a photojournalist beats having a "real job" hands down. I had spent the afternoon walking up and down the beach, shooting college students partying, and enjoying the weather. Fort Myers Beach is not a huge Spring Break destination, but it is popular with a few colleges. There is partying, but nothing crazy like Cancun or South Padre Island. After a few hours I had a few pictures that were okay, but mostly from group events, and nothing that was particularly up-close and intimate. As the sun was setting I happened upon a few college students who were dancing, drinking, and doing a lot of flirting. I introduced myself and told them I was shooting Spring Break for the Naples Daily News, and asked if they would mind if I hung out with them and took some photos. They were totally cool with it, and so I was able to shoot with ease, up-close with the wide lens. They just kept on dancing and flirting.

 

 

 

TID:

 

I actually feel uncomfortable photographing on the beach. Maybe it's just me being self-conscious

but I can't help it. What challenges did you encounter while working to make this image?

 

DARRON:

 

The key to photos like this is having the trust of the subjects. When I first started shooting, I was shy with subjects and worried that my presence would change the moment, so I would feature hunt from a distance. I remember interning at the Ann Arbor News (sadly, now out of print) in 1994. We would feature hunt with long glass, snooping around the quad at the University of Michigan hunting moments. It looked like something out of a wild safari TV show. But over time I learned to approach people and gain their trust, and, if done correctly, with minimum effect on the moments.  In this case, I was able to connect with the subjects without too much trouble. One of the people in the photo had family in the area and was familiar with the newspaper, so I think that helped. I just try to be very open and honest with people, and not come across as some weirdo looking to take sexy photos at Spring Break. I always introduce myself, and tell them exactly what I am doing and where the photos may appear. If they don't want to be photographed, I move on. But in this case, the subjects were very welcoming to me, and continued their partying and flirting while I settled in to shoot.

 

TID:

 

What have you learned about yourself in the process of making images like this?

 

DARRON:

 

I've learned I'm usually able to put people at ease and gain their trust. I think people can usually tell when you are being honest with them, and they respect that. Using that approach in all of my photography helps me capture moments that I just wouldn't get without the trust of the subjects.

 

 

 

TID:

 

What did you learn about others while making this picture?

 

DARRON:

 

It's cliche, but for the most part, people are the same. I try to put myself in their place before approaching them, and think, 'What would I think if a stranger walked up to me and asked to hang out and take pictures?' I figure I would be wary if they seemed uncomfortable or shady, so I approach folks openly, honestly, and respectfully.

 

TID:

 

In conclusion, what advice do you have for photographers?

 

DARRON:

 

My advice is to be honest and respectful of your subjects. Don't judge them, or make fun of them. Don't steal moments. Great moments aren't stolen, they are shared. 

 

 

 

:::BIO:::