Self Portrait. Tasha Miller 2020 in California
Photography allows me to study people for long periods of time without it being creepy. My test is the portrait. Does it reveal you? That real you? When was the last time you looked at yourself clearly?
Watching you with a loaded camera is like studying the world through a magnifying glass. It. Is. Incredible. Taking the shot is hard to do, because it’s film and film is expensive and I’ve always been frugal. Sometimes I can’t breathe in that space between past, present and future. If I do, it’ll mess things up. I’m overwhelmed with opportunity and purpose. I get paid to see you. I have power when you walk into my door to get your portrait made. I use it to help you gain clarity in your own life. You must be able to see yourself in order to live your best life. AND in order to make this world a better place. We find a space close to natural light and visit and laugh and sometimes hold our breath.
I watch facial muscles shift and settle. How about that one between your eyebrows? I see the comfortable moments. Your small shavings of freedom. Aha! I click the shutter, but no rapid fire…because $$$$$. I see the cold segments of time…when you’re pretending. (I don’t waste our money on that stuff.) I hear you self deprecate and I hear you try not to. I listen to you laugh and I see you cry. We’re so connected. I watch the love in your eyes…and the hope that all is as it should be. I wonder what your eyes have seen. I wonder what you are battling. If I look into your eyes long enough, maybe I will find out. As a portrait photographer, I have a psychologically intimate space in my subject’s life. Maybe I am an investigator?
I put the lens down and make us tea. We talk about something new…Or we don’t talk much at all. I’m acutely aware of what our connection needs. Most people feel normalized when we’re together. (Or maybe entertained.) Your reactions and energy to what I say or don’t say…and do or don’t do are ALL equally priceless. The split seconds that emote from your insides…And land in your eyes. Is why I am there. Nothing is forced. Not the conversation. Not the reactions. Not the portraits. I hold a taped-up Nikon F5 loaded with a single roll of 35mm Ilford Delta or Portra 400. It’s my tool for seeking truth.
I don’t need words to hear your truth. I hear it when you keep your eyes open. We are looking at ourselves when we take the time to really see each other.
There is no post production. No computer work. What I saw during that entire split second is what you get on film. To enlarge a photograph on fiber paper, we use water, a stop bath, fixer, an easel, pins, a timer, a glossy finish and a VERY dark room.
Photography Testimonials:
C.L. Mom of a high school graduate…
“Oh my God. Tasha. You are so good. These are just beautiful. Real treasures.
I am so grateful to you — beyond words grateful. WOW. I am in awe of these images. Thank you for seeing Tulip so deeply, and so well. You have such a rare gift. I’m blown away.” (2021)
L.B. Lincoln High graduate…
“I was really happy and surprised at how raw and intimate my photos were.
Senior photos are so often staged and look very post-cardy and cheesy, but the photos Tasha took were not like this at all. Mine are super special and beautiful.” (2020)
Portland, Oregon’s Willamette Week…
“Some combination of artist and sorceress.” (2011)
J.W. Mom of a high school graduate…
“Tasha Miller has a very sharp eye for capturing the essence of a person and their unexpected moments. Her photography is full of depth and beauty; she really has a gift for knowing her craft. The images she did for us are artful and will be cherished!” (2020)