Students interested in photography as part of the Graphic Information Technology (GIT) major at Arizona State University’s Polytechnic campus, are taught commercial lighting, publishing workflow and set design by Professor Penny Ann Dolin, an accomplished photographer.
Dolin invited Ahwatukee Foothills resident and professional photographer John Trotto to speak to her students about portrait photography. Trotto, who has 29 years experience in commercial portraiture, discussed some technical aspects of lighting, color balance and workflow, but emphasized the importance of putting the subject at ease.
“A business portrait should look friendly, relaxed and confident,” Trotto told the students, adding that a client isn’t going to hire you because of your technical skills. “There are dozens of photographers who can light a portrait. If you are able to relax your subject and bring out their own inner energy to capture the real person, then you have done your job.”
Trotto discussed ways to connect with the client and told a few stories of the difficulties and challenges when photographing people and how to work through them.
