Pattern Recognition

Perceived rules in photography never cease to amaze me.

There is a persistent myth that wearing white for a photography session is verboten. I have no idea where it came from but it’s never been true for me.

I try to present every subject with some sensible wardrobe guidance. I recommend against silky or shiny material. Branded apparel or visible logos are problematic and best avoided.

Clothing with strong patterns are my least favorite. Worse is the mixing of this kind of attire with something geometric in the background.

When my subject Brooks arrived, he was wearing all the “wrong” things in a way that looked just right. The coincidence of the brick wall in the heart of midtown Oklahoma City added that last forbidden ingredient.

There’s no use being artist if you’re not willing to break your own rules.

About the author: I am Stephen Kennedy, an experienced photographer with more than 2500 completed sessions in all 50 US states.