FRAMES Artist-in-Residence April 2022: Jens Mathiasson
PART 1 – APRIL 2, 2022
W. Scott Olsen in conversation with Jens Mathiasson, introducing our next Artist-in-Residence, talking about his approach to portraiture and his plans with this particular FRAMES AiR assignment.
Leave your questions to Jens in the comment section below and he will do his best to answer them all.
PART 2 – APRIL 9, 2022
So I was supposed to do a photo shoot for you this week. But a family member has pneumonia and we just can’t have anyone here to visit us. I am truly sorry for that. Although, I have new plans for the coming week and I will make it happen. Initially I was thinking that we could do a one light portrait first. And continue adding lights as the weeks pass on, but since we are missing the shoot this week, we will do single and dual light next week.
Thoughts of equipment
Even if I can’t shoot any portraits at the moment, I can still talk a bit about what I use, where my inspiration comes from, and about how I think regarding portraits and some of my creative process.
First and foremost, the camera and lens are not that overly important. I’d say that light and shadows are the most important things in photography, wouldn’t you agree? The camera is just a tool, as the brush is to an artist in my opinion. So why the camera I have? Well, it all boils down to the dynamic range. Or did anyways. In the beginning of my studio portrait-journey, I underexposed most images since I was not triggering the flash.
I was using the model-light only. Underexposing with a smaller sensor would lead to not so very flattering shadows. I started looking at options to handle this. I bought a medium format camera for that purpose. It’s a great camera and lens for sure. But considering what I shoot now, any camera would be OK.
I use the cheapest of light for all my portraits. I believe that in the end of the day, light will be just light. And a premium flash might give more options and be more durable in the field for professional photographers, but for me it’s just too much money to spend. I did however invest in a larger soft-box. It’s big and produces lovely soft light. I guess the modifiers matter more, and if you let yourself be creative, anything works fine. When I did a lot of portraits in natural light, we often used our patio, which had a semi-transparent roof that diffused the light gorgeously. So there are no ends to the possibilities if you look outside the box.
So, where do get ideas for my portraits? Well, often they just come to me. I might have seen a movie or listened to some music that I enjoy. Or just the fact that we are getting bombarded with images all the time through social media etc. But I always want to create. Normally I try to come up with something new each week. I try different light positioning, and/or new ways to shape the light. Like doing homemade snoots and barn doors.
Once I have my idea, I want to explore it. I don’t really change the primary light source. I keep that as a constant, I move it around until I feel the light touches the face the way I want, and I start to shoot. As of lately I use clothes to create either movement or leading lines, like the collar in this image:
Also, textures from different types of clothes add to the depth of the image.
Then there is also hair. Hair is fantastic to create movement with.
I have used this a lot in the past. You can frame en entire image with hair. And if you can get that scaled down emotion at the same time, for me that’s great.
Inspiration
I talked a bit above on where my ideas comes from (the inspiration). But being inspired by someone close is also important for me. For example I get really inspired by my wife. She is an amazing poet and writes these lovely pieces. But also the way she is. We have this idea of creating images out of some of her creations. I would then interpret them. I think this would be a nice project for the future.
Then there is of course other photographers. I’ve mentioned Dan Winters before. He is just amazingly good. His use of light is magic and the way he creates his own scenes is something extraordinary. But also any new portrait photographers who just started out. Looking at how they develop is very inspiring and humbling.
I also enjoy looking at art when I have gotten time for it. Andrew Wyeth and his portraits is a great source of inspiration for me now. I was actually not aware of either Wyeth or Winters a while back. Because I don’t have a background in art or photography. But it’s not because I have been uninterested in any form of art. It’s more that I have been occupied with another career. Completely opposite of anything creative.
But I also get inspired by other things. As soon as I started taking images again in 2017, and actually got half satisfied with what I created, I started viewing light differently. Just waking up to gorgeous light in the morning can trigger an urge for photography. The problem is that there is often the ”must do” things in life that are in the way. But taking it slow has been key for me I think. Around one or a couple portraits per week during these years has taught me to be patient. Things will come when there is time for it. Especially ideas. But I have weeks where I am extremely creative, where I shoot almost every day and get new ideas by the minute more or less. Those weeks are very satisfying, but they also deplete me. That’s why during the years I stay very silent and don’t upload anything. It’s part of the process I think.
For me it has been a good thing not coming from art at all I think. I have been able to create sort of an own voice more or less. Although, in my eyes what I do, is not really unique. But the people I shoot are. They help create the image and they help set the overall feeling. I am just lucky to be able to participate in that particular moment when we take the picture.
If you have any questions I am more than happy to answer them. And once again, forgive me for not being able to upload a video this weekend.
Jens
PART 3 – APRIL 16, 2022
Hello again,
In this episode we are in my home studio. We are working with single and dual light. The way I like.
I explain some of my thoughts in the video, but I have left some room for questions. I must add that I never do video, and video editing. But I will set everything up a bit differently next time, both with light and with sound.
The images I’ve shot and added to the video are generally unedited. I’ve fixed the exposure a bit and also some of the white balance.
In the final installment I will show you how I edit from raw file to finished image.
All shots were taken at: ISO50, 1/125s, f/5.6.
Jens
Leave your questions to Jens in the comment section below and he will do his best to answer them all.
PART 4 – APRIL 23, 2022
Hello again,
Today we are shooting with three lights to separate the subject from the background. The principle for the light setup is the same as in the last video with the main and fill, but we lit the backdrop a bit.
As I mention in the video, we did a shoot yesterday, but not being a videographer, I forgot to turn the microphone on. However, I got lucky and my friend Peter turned up today. So as you view this, everything was shot this morning, so it’s 100% fresh.
Some images that we took today didn’t really work either. The light was not as I like it to be. Those were the ones where the second light was pointed straight to the face. It’s part of my process to not always know the outcome or getting the results I want. Even if I can see the images on the LCD screen on the camera, they are not always good enough.
I edited all images to an extent for this video, and I was thinking that we could do a pure edit video next week as the final installment. Either we take one of the images today and edit, or I will take a few during the week. In that video you will see that most things I do is by braille. And not by any given rules. I mainly edit to my liking.
Anyways, I hope you will enjoy today’s video and I am always open for questions.
Kind regards,
Jens Mathiasson
Leave your questions to Jens in the comment section below and he will do his best to answer them all.
PART 5 – APRIL 30, 2022
Hello everyone,
This is the final installment of my Artist-in-Residence series and today we are editing an image.
I always try to keep it as simple as possible. We will start from scratch and work towards the final image.
If there are no blemishes to remove I do all editing in Camera Raw and export from there. But today we will jump back and forth a bit between Camera Raw and Photoshop.
Also, I would like to take the opportunity to thank Tomasz and the FRAMES team for giving me this opportunity to be a part of the AiR programme. I had a few bumps on the road, with part of my family being ill. But I still hope you have enjoyed following me through this process. From single light to a final image.
Photography is a sort of passion for me. A lot of times I do things by braille rather that having a clear plan for the results. I know I want to make a beautiful image, but there are no boundaries or rules in what way to achieve this. And I hope that you see this in me.
And when it comes to editing, I edit by heart for that given image/moment. It’s never the same really.
Thank you so much for all questions and input I have received through this series. I feel honored.
Kind regards
Jens Mathiasson
Leave your questions to Jens in the comment section below and he will do his best to answer them all.
Tomas Rolland
April 2, 2022 at 10:48
What a great start! I’m really inspired by your work Jens, and has just resently started doing portraits my self. I have been looking at your images for a while, and I am impressed by your subtle use of light. Looking forward to the rest! And kudos to Mr. W. Scott Olsen, probably one of the best interviewers out there👏
Jens Mathiasson
April 5, 2022 at 08:23
Hello Tomas,
I’m happy to hear you are venturing in to portraits. It’s great fun and there are so many possibilities. Also, happy that you like my images. For me it’s the subtlety that is interesting, sort of you know there is light, but it doesn’t hit you in the face. Making the shadows more important in a way. And I agree, Scott is great. And very professional.
I hope you’ll like my series.
Kind regards
Jens
Tomas Rolland
April 7, 2022 at 21:17
Like what you say about shadows, I agree. Thanks again!
Gareth Jenkins
April 2, 2022 at 11:30
I’m so looking forward to watching Lens and undoubtedly learning a great deal too.
Gareth Jenkins
April 5, 2022 at 09:18
Sorry for my typo Jens not Lens!!!
Jens Mathiasson
April 7, 2022 at 19:43
I understood that my friend. I’m happy your looking forward to this.
Thomas Moseley
April 4, 2022 at 20:20
always superp excellent presentation Jens Mathiasson remarkable unassuming personality and beautiful images were a real treat. Thanks W. Scott Olsen for a wonderful conversation.
Jens Mathiasson
April 7, 2022 at 19:44
Thank you very much. 🙏🏻🙏🏻
Lynne
April 4, 2022 at 21:39
Your portraits are wonderfully subtle with such grace. The tone you achieve is fabulous. I look forward to seeing more.
Jens Mathiasson
April 7, 2022 at 19:44
Thank you so very much. I hope you’ll enjoy my videos/articles.
Louis
April 6, 2022 at 02:54
Low-key portraiture has always caught my eye. I looked at your images on Flickr, examining the catch lights to try to determine the lighting. I look forward to learning your lighting. Annie
Leibovitz does not believe her job is to elicit an expression from her subjects. Do you have an aesthetic that you direct your subjects to?
Jens Mathiasson
April 11, 2022 at 21:16
Hello Louis
No aesthetic. I look for a certain expression I think. An emotionless emotion in a way, Or at least that is the only way I can explain it. When I see it I see it. I don’t think I have fully figured the process out yet perhaps. But there is something that I see.
Glad you’re tuning in.
Kind regards
David Lang
April 6, 2022 at 16:44
Enjoyed the interview with Jens. It’s been many years since I made portraits so I looking forward watching Jens in his studio?
Jens Mathiasson
April 11, 2022 at 21:17
Thank you. I hope you’ll enjoy the studio shoot.
Kind regards
Richard Hutson
April 8, 2022 at 02:52
Jens, I’m looking forward to seeing how you work in the studio. Your portraits are truly works of art. My journey with photography has not yet focused on a single genre but I do like to photograph people in their own environment with natural light hoping to capture an emotional moment. Although I can’t control natural light I’m hoping that I can learn how recognize and apply optimal natural lighting to my portraits. I’m currently shooting almost exclusively in black & white with the Leica Q2M 28 mm fixed lens.
Jens Mathiasson
April 11, 2022 at 22:00
Thank you so very much 🙏🏻🙏🏻
I think that’s a great thing with photography. You don’t have to choose. For me though, it led to a point where I didn’t enjoy it at all. So after my break with photography it was nice to finally find a niche that I loved. Looking back I think it all had that purpose.
Controlling light is the thing to practice in my opinion. Doing portraits in natural light is a great start since every hour and every different type of weather can be constant. You know what to expect in a way. I find light from the north (in the northern hemisphere) to be quite gorgeous. Using a single window can make for a great portrait. It’s no sun, and already diffused light. And also doorposts works great for those portraits. They are directing the light so to speak. Moving the subject further or closer to the posts will have an affect depending on what you are looking for. Actually the same goes for studio light. It’s the same principle more or less.
Kind regards
Jens
Richard Tucker
April 9, 2022 at 18:40
Thank you for the wonderful pictures and your thoughts. Like you I try to work with simple light rigs or natural light keeping the pictures dark to bring up the required detail later. But there is an element in the pictures that you show which is more difficult to achieve. There is an emotional proximity a level of personal involvement between you and the sitter that is often missing from portraits. Thanks again for sharing your views.
Jens Mathiasson
April 11, 2022 at 22:06
Hello Richard
Thank you so so very much 🙏🏻🙏🏻
I agree. The emotions are hard to come by. Or the emotionless emotions rather. I think that is what I strive for. In a way.
Best regards
Jens
Abdullatif Jaidah
April 9, 2022 at 21:18
I pray that everyone is well & safe.
Your work is phenomenal, and can’t wait to see you show us some examples.
If you could maybe, experiment with still life it would be easier.
That is my main interest actually.
Good luck
Jens Mathiasson
April 11, 2022 at 22:11
Thanks so very much Abdullatif 🙏🏻
Family is up and walking so we are getting there. And thank you so much for your warm words.
I have never done any still life. But perhaps I could try. Although I don’t think I have room for it this time around. However, portraits and still life are closely related. Perhaps a bit scaled down with SL.
Anyhow, I hope you find this series interesting.
Best regards
Jens
Mike Thompson
April 10, 2022 at 00:54
“Although, in my eyes what I do, is not really unique.”
I had to smile at this Jens. In my opinion, it reveals you to be a true artist.
I am sorry you weren’t able to present this second installment as you had envisioned but I think it was fruitful none the less. I am looking forward to seeing and hearing how you work. My best to your family member and a speedy recovery.
Jens Mathiasson
April 11, 2022 at 22:15
Hello Mike,
Thank you so very much for your kind words.
Family is getting better by the minute, thank you.
The third installment will be in the studio. I hope you’ll enjoy it. Everything is set up and ready to go.
Kind regards
Jens
Pierre-yves Matile
April 10, 2022 at 12:10
Beautiful and inspiring. Thanks
Jens Mathiasson
April 11, 2022 at 22:16
Many many thanks 🙏🏻
Donna Hopkins
April 10, 2022 at 18:07
When things do not go exactly as planned, I breathe a deep sigh of relief. These little reminders that life is meant to be lived are cause for quiet celebration. I love reading your words and sinking into these deeply moving portraits. In general, I love to learn by way of these lessons, but this lesson is a kind of art appreciation for me. I don’t know if portraiture will ever be in my wheelhouse, but I do know that portraits like yours make me want to see the best in every person. And isn’t that amazing?
Jens Mathiasson
April 18, 2022 at 09:51
It truly is.
Thank you for your lovely comment.
Kind regards
Thomas Moseley
April 10, 2022 at 18:34
I am still curious as to what med format camera you use none the less I find the immediacy of your portraits very compelling and deeply personal . Well done and wish your family member a full recovery.
Jens Mathiasson
April 18, 2022 at 09:52
It’s a GFX50r.
Thank you so very much 🙏🏻
Peter van Eekelen
April 11, 2022 at 14:31
Hi Jens, just wanted to let you know I really love your work. For what it’s worth 🙂
Also after having seen the interview, I appreciate your down to earth attitude. Fits with your work.
Can’t wait for the next episodes to see you at work!
Jens Mathiasson
April 18, 2022 at 09:53
Hello,
Many many thanks for your kind words.
Its worth a lot.
Kind regards
judy rosenfeld
April 16, 2022 at 21:24
Is there any window in the room? Do you ever use light from a window? Is it easier for you to photograph people you know? Strangers?
Jens Mathiasson
April 18, 2022 at 09:55
Hello Judy,
Most of the people I shoot are family and friends. So I can’t really compare. But I have photographed people I’ve just met and it works sort of the same.
There is a window. Also the white ceiling made everything a bit bright.
Kind regards
Adela Bujor
April 17, 2022 at 01:26
Hi Jens! You already know that I am a big fan of your work and seeing you in action only made me like your work more.
Jens Mathiasson
April 18, 2022 at 09:56
Adela,
Thank you so much. Delighted every time you choose to comment. 🙏🏻
Warm regards
Jens
Terrance Wimmer
April 17, 2022 at 07:59
No light on the background, so that beautiful gold-rust scrim turns basically to black. No backlight on the subject to separate him/her from the background (especially in dark clothing). However, the faces all have a beautiful dimensionality to them and (as you mention) the shadows reveal as much as the light itself. And there is still so much (beautiful) information in each shot. Even someone with light skin and/or shiny hair wearing dark clothes, every little detail of both are revealed. After watching the last video several times, I’m still trying to figure out how you do that. Thanks.
Jens Mathiasson
April 27, 2022 at 20:41
Hello,
Thanks for your comment. I think that feathering the light is sort the thing that works best for me. However, there is a lot of information in the shadows using the system I have. Knowing that, and that there will be less light in the image, I tend to play around a bit in post with the shadows. I don’t edit much, but small bits and pieces. Also, I think color grading does a lot to an image. In the last installment I will edit an image. The sort of basic way. Although, if the image is not good then the edit doesn’t matter. The image will still be bad.
Kind regards
Jens
Ronnie
April 17, 2022 at 17:12
Hi, I really love your work. Is that a Elinchrom compact d-lite rx one light? Would you be able to explain your process for controlling flash power and metering? Sorry for all the technical questions, I’ve never really been able to control shadows very well. I seem to have my light distance to subject too close or too far and I end up with too much light. Thanks so much for your help.
Barbara
April 17, 2022 at 18:19
I would like to see how you process a photo.
Mike Thompson
April 17, 2022 at 21:52
Excellent 3rd installment Jens! You make it look so simple and have inspired me to experiment a little, though I know it isn’t as simple as it looks. The richness of your images is amazing! Thank you so much for letting us watch your process.
Richard Hutson
April 18, 2022 at 00:10
Jens, The third installment really makes the case for keeping it simple. It is interesting to note that you do most of the moving around with a hand held camera instead of having the model get into different positions in front of a stationary camera – like I’ve seen in the setups of other portrait artists. I’m sure that tends to keep your model calm. I also noticed that you check every shot to determine what adjustments you have to make to create the image that you want. It was truly inspiring to see how you work. I’m looking forward to seeing what you do in post processing.
Francisca da Silva
April 27, 2022 at 20:41
Jens, first thank you for the nice and instructive videos. They are very inspiring and I slowly feel the urge to do some portraits shots again. I used to shoot mainly with natural light but I do have and used studio lights as well. However I never used light for the background. Do you use a continue light or also a flash light. I like to try that out one of these days as I can find a model. I look forward to the next episode.
Christian Peacock
April 30, 2022 at 18:38
Thank you for sharing your working style, especially your post production work in Camera RAW. Again you demonstrate in PhotoShop that there are many ways to skin a cat. It was interesting to watch you work the colors in Bridge. As I tell photographers who ask, I edit from the heart, every shot will be different because it’s how I am feeling that day. I appreciate you mentioning that you will sit on the image for a day or two and return to it for a final review. Very important to do. Sometimes we edit too quickly because we know dinner is on the table and it is getting cold.
James C Fairchild
April 30, 2022 at 21:18
I’ve never seen such richness in portraits.
Richard Hutson
April 30, 2022 at 22:54
Jens, Thank you for sharing your editing process. Although you say you did’t do much, you did indeed transform the raw image into a work of art. I admire your ability to use subtle adjustments to such great advantage. The lesson of waiting a day or two, or more before editing was very valuable for me.
Ian Moss
December 1, 2022 at 13:22
Thank you Jens. This series has provided an eye opening insight into your unique art and methods and given me confidence and inspiration. I particularly love the ambience and relaxed mood of your images and how you capture the characters to give an insight, real, suggested or imagined, into their personalities. I’m so glad I discovered you and your work, along with all the other greats, through FRAMES.