Ellen Banner
As a photojournalist, I end up shooting a little bit of everything. I’ve been on staff at The Seattle Times since 1997. When you’ve been a photographer as long as I have, it’s important to change things up—different lighting, different angles. The last thing I would want is for my pictures to look like all the others.
To that end, I try to talk to people and really find out who they are before I start shooting. Instead of shooting based on a preconceived notion, I want to make sure I’m really telling their story. It can be tough, though, because people tend to act differently with a camera pointed at them. That’s why it’s so important for me to develop a connection with my subjects. By establishing some kind of rapport, I can try to mitigate the unease that comes with having a camera shoved in one’s face.
Ellen is an American photographer based in Seattle, WA.
Cait and Katy, Research Scientists, from Showing: Pregnancy in the Workplace, 2012
When I shoot, I tend to view the process as a conversation. l'Il come in with ideas about how I want things to look, but l'm also keen to hear what my subjects want. I'll ask if they have any ideas or thoughts. That way, the final product reflects an honest part of my subjects, rather than just my preconceived notions.
Walking into Fall, 2017
My Little Sister, 2012
Precious Innocence, 2004
Skateboarding Dog, 2008
Waiting in the Car, 2001
Snow Day—School’s Out, 2003