AK-The-Big-B&W-Issue

Copyrights To Allan Kliger© All Rights Reserved
A moment, something that compels me to
stop, to want to make time stop. Perhaps it’s
something I can identify with, even if I don’t
know it. A feeling.
At first I’m tentative, approaching the subject
like quarry, hunting them, wondering if
they’ll spook or allow me to observe without
objection. I don’t shoot with a long telephoto
– I shoot up close and personal. I want that
connection, need that connection. I’m the guy
right up there in someone’s face. No boundary.
Crossing the boundary. Testing the limits of
comfort and permission. Respectful, tactful, but
leaving no uncertainty. It’s personal and the
subject knows it. I dance around, like a boxer
or a Judoka in the judo ring. I’m observing the
light, the face, the comfort and nature of the
subject’s demeanor and pose, waiting for the
moment when it all comes together. Specular
light, Rembrandt light, light & shadow,
depth and dimension. I need the shadow,
the blackness, the hint of light. And then, in
between the shots, I find it. The connection.
When the subject finally feels
relaxed, to connect, to allow me
to immortalize their soul in the
light that I’ve found. That’s what
black & white does.