Martin Luther King, Jr. funeral. [photo by Don Rutledge]

When I reflect on what set my mentor, Don Rutledge, apart from other photographers, one skill shines above the rest—his extraordinary ability to contextualize. This wasn’t just about taking pictures but weaving together a visual story with depth, character, and narrative.

Many photographers understand the basics of environmental portraits—placing a subject in their natural surroundings to help tell their story. But Don took this to another level. For him, it wasn’t simply about a person standing still in a setting that described their profession or personality. It was about how that person interacted with their environment and how their surroundings shaped their narrative.

Don was always after the wider shot, not for the sake of showing more but for the sake of bringing a deeper context to his subjects. His mastery of composition meant that every object, every shadow, and every beam of light in the scene played a part in telling the story. He didn’t rely on isolated moments but instead captured the interplay between the person and their world. This connection, this broader story, made his photographs feel so alive and real.

His process was almost cinematic. Don approached photography with the patience and precision of a director, except he never directed his subjects. He knew that life would naturally create the needed moments if he just observed long enough. Rather than forcing a scene, Don learned to wait. And if the perfect moment didn’t come? He’d wait some more. He understood people so well that he knew their habits and behaviors would repeat themselves, giving him another chance to capture that elusive, perfect shot.

But it wasn’t just his patience and observation that set him apart. His understanding of context wasn’t about showing the big picture but about using the environment to add layers of meaning. Unlike an ordinary establishing shot, Don’s wider shots tell a deeper story—one where the viewer can almost step inside the frame and feel the relationship between the subject and their space.

Shallow Depth of Field vs. Depth of Story

In contrast, many photographers today rely on shallow depth of field to isolate their subjects. While there’s a place for that technique, it can feel like you might as well put the person in a studio with a muted backdrop when overused. Sure, the background becomes soft and discreet, but it also strips away the environment that could have added much more to the narrative.

Don’s approach was the opposite. He understood that depth of field wasn’t just a technical decision but a storytelling choice. Rather than erasing the background into a blur, he used a bit more depth of field to keep enough in focus to bring context. The surroundings weren’t distractions—they were essential elements of the story.

However, shooting with more depth in the field requires a different skill. It forces you to carefully compose your shot, working around the clutter and chaos until you can distill it into something beautiful and meaningful. It requires an understanding of light, lines, and placement—how to take what’s in front of you and mold it into a master painting where every piece of the scene contributes to the whole.

Instead of isolating the subject, Don used the environment to draw the viewer in, creating a relationship between the subject and their world. It’s a much more challenging approach, but one that, when executed well, leads to photographs that are rich in detail, layered in meaning, and powerful in their storytelling.

In an era where isolation seems to dominate photography, Don Rutledge’s ability to contextualize his subjects is a timeless reminder of what storytelling in photography can be. His work was more than just images—it was a narrative brought to life by his mastery of patience, composition, and context.

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Steven Spielberg’s Mastery of Depth: Using Wide-Angle Lenses to Weave Context into Cinematic Storytelling

Steven Spielberg’s approach to depth-of-field, particularly with wide-angle lenses, is a crucial element of his filmmaking style. Unlike many directors who prefer shallow depth-of-field to isolate their subjects, Spielberg often opts for smaller apertures that allow for deep focus, where the foreground and background remain sharp. This choice adds layers of context to his scenes, making them immersive and rich in detail.

Spielberg avoids wide-open apertures and ensures that every part of the frame contributes to the story. For instance, in Jurassic Park, Spielberg uses a smaller aperture during crucial scenes, such as when the T. rex first appears. The terrified characters in the foreground and the menacing dinosaur in the background are sharply in focus. This technique enhances the viewer’s connection to the environment, creating a more realistic and engaging experience​ (Personal View).

Spielberg’s use of wide-angle lenses, such as the 21mm lens, is particularly effective for maintaining deep focus. By choosing these lenses, he can capture expansive shots, conveying a sense of vastness while keeping multiple planes in sharp detail. This technique was masterfully used in Raiders of the Lost Ark, where Indiana Jones and the surrounding environment are in focus, allowing the viewer to grasp the significance of the character and his surroundings​ (Wolfcrow)​ (No Film School).

By employing deep focus, Spielberg can add context that enhances the narrative. Rather than isolating his characters from their environments, he integrates them into them, making the audience feel like they are part of the world he creates on screen. This approach requires skillful composition and an understanding of how to naturally balance visual elements to guide the viewer’s eye through the scene. This mastery of context through depth-of-field and wide-angle lenses distinguishes Spielberg as one of cinema’s greatest storytellers.

Photo by: Robin Rayne

One of the most challenging aspects of being a business owner and entrepreneur is recognizing that while your personality can win you jobs, it can also lose them. No matter how skilled you are in your craft, how diligently you stay current in the industry, or how consistently you go above and beyond to wow your clients, your personality and style might not always resonate with everyone.

The Paradox of Personality

In business, especially in creative fields like photography and videography, your personality isn’t just part of your brand—it’s often your first impression. My competency in my craft is at the top of the field, and my relentless pursuit of growth ensures that I remain at the cutting edge. Yet, despite these strengths, I’ve come to understand that not everyone will feel comfortable or connected with my style. This reality can be both humbling and enlightening.

Striving for Inclusivity

As business owners, creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome is crucial. This isn’t just about embracing diversity; it’s about fostering a space where clients from all walks of life feel comfortable and valued. Here are some tips on how to achieve this:

1. Listen Actively: Show genuine interest in your client’s needs and preferences. Listening actively helps you understand their expectations and makes them feel respected and valued.
2. Communicate Clearly: Be transparent about your processes, timelines, and what clients can expect from working with you. Clear communication builds trust and minimizes misunderstandings.
3. Be Adaptable: While it’s essential to stay true to your style, being flexible and willing to adapt can help you meet the diverse needs of your clients. This doesn’t mean compromising your artistic vision but finding a balance that works for both parties.
4. Seek Feedback: Regularly ask for feedback from your clients. This shows that you care about their experience and provides valuable insights into areas where you can improve.
5. Show Empathy: Understanding and acknowledging your clients’ feelings and perspectives can go a long way in building solid and lasting relationships.

Accepting Preferences and Comfort Levels

Despite your efforts to be inclusive, it’s essential to recognize that people will still have personal preferences and comfort levels. Some clients might prefer a different style or personality that aligns more closely with their own. This is not a reflection of your skills or professionalism but simply a matter of personal compatibility.

Differentiating Between Preferences and Negative Traits

It’s essential to distinguish between a natural lack of compatibility and negative traits that might impact your business. Here are some tips to help you make this distinction:

1. Self-Reflection: Regularly take time to reflect on your interactions with clients. Are there recurring themes in the feedback you receive? Identifying patterns can help you understand whether your personality or behavior needs adjustment.
2. Professional Development: Invest in personal and professional development to improve areas you might be lacking. This could include communication skills, emotional intelligence, or conflict resolution.
3. Mentorship and Coaching: Seek mentors who can provide objective insights and guidance. They can help you identify blind spots and offer strategies for improvement.
4. Accepting Constructive Criticism: Embrace constructive criticism with an open mind. It’s an opportunity to grow and become better at what you do.
5. Setting Boundaries: While it’s important to be accommodating, it’s equally important to set boundaries to ensure you’re not compromising your values and well-being.

Embracing the Journey

Being a business owner and entrepreneur is a continuous journey of growth and self-discovery. Embrace the challenges of navigating the complexities of personality and client relationships. Remember that your unique personality sets you apart and attracts clients who value your work. By striving to be inclusive, open to feedback, and committed to personal growth, you’ll continue building a thriving business that creates lasting, meaningful connections with your clients.

Navigating the nuances of personality in business can be tricky, but it’s also what makes this journey so rewarding. Embrace your individuality, strive for inclusivity, and always be open to growth and improvement.