Impressions: The LA Audio Show 2017, My Portraits

David W. Robinson, Editor-in-Chief of Positive Feedback. (Photograph by John Robinson)

As time has gone by, I have become more and more interested in covering not only audio shows or events, but also the people there. And not as photojournalism, but as art.

Real portraits made during the difficulties of audio show circumstances.

Show reporting is commonplace.

Art is very rare.

My portraits are the result of applying my creative vision and artistic insights to the task of exploring both the mystery and revelation that every person represents. These are at the heart of the challenges of true art in photography…to see the hiddenness of each person, but also to recognize the moments of insight that shine forth like sunbeams stabbing through looming cloudbanks.

What Edward Weston called the "flame of recognition."

And, when hiddenness and revelation are evident, to act decisively with the tools of one's art.

It may look easy, but it is actually terribly difficult, requiring real mastery of an artistic medium. Photography is so intensely demanding precisely because you must act rapidly…like lightning…because the moment with portraits like these is so very fleeting. Recognition must lead to an instantaneous act…no hesitation, no fumbling about, no guesswork…because the moment is now.

But, if done well, the results are more important, more lasting, and more transformational, than the snapshootery of show articles.

My photographic portfolio from the LA Audio Show in 2017: