Mobile photographer Jerrid Jones is bringing a unique and compelling collection of portrait photography to the Mobile Arts Council with his exhibition titled Faces, which opens during the First Friday ArtWalk on November 9, 2012, at 6 p.m.
The exhibition features a striking series of portraits that challenge traditional approaches to photographing the human face. Rather than conventional glamour or beauty shots, Jones has crafted images that strip away pretense, capturing his subjects with raw, unguarded expressions before layering them with carefully selected textures and overlays.
A Creative Process Born from Experimentation
Jones described the project as an evolving creative journey rather than a carefully pre-planned concept. Each portrait session taught him something new and opened doors to fresh ideas. The photographer, who typically works alone, deliberately pushed himself outside his comfort zone by collaborating closely with his subjects.
He sought blank, emotionless expressions from his subjects, only to discover that each person still carried an emotion or expression they could not fully conceal. That observation led to the distinctive textured overlay technique that defines the series, with Jones carefully matching each overlay to the individual face.
From Film to Digital
Jones first picked up a camera years ago while working on a local film production in Mobile. Watching the crew operate their equipment sparked a passion that led him to grab his father’s camera and begin shooting roll after roll of film. After stepping away from the craft for roughly a decade, the rise of digital photography reignited his interest, and he taught himself modern techniques through online resources and by studying other photographers’ work.
Advice for Aspiring Photographers
For young photographers looking to develop their skills, Jones offered straightforward guidance: focus on finding the right camera for your needs rather than getting caught up in brand competitions, study other photographers’ images to identify what works and what does not, and be open to constructive criticism. Not every photograph will be a masterpiece, he noted, and learning to accept and grow from feedback is essential to improving as an artist.
Looking ahead, Jones said he plans to continue expanding the Faces series while exploring deeper and more experimental approaches to his signature texture and overlay techniques, as well as new ways to display his finished work.
The Faces exhibition is on display at the Mobile Arts Council gallery through December 2012.