Recently, I had the extraordinary honor of photographing the revered Opal Lee, known as the Grandmother of Juneteenth. This remarkable woman, at 97 years young, had just received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Joe Biden—the highest civilian honor in the United States. Her journey then took her across the globe to Tokyo, Japan, where she was to be honored at the American Embassy and visit various sites, including a military base.
Setting the Scene: A Portrait Session at the American Ambassador's Residence
I was commissioned to create a formal portrait of Opal Lee at the American Ambassador's residence in Tokyo. The brief was clear: the portrait should reflect her being in Japan. After some research and learning about her impressive health and vitality, I decided to have her dressed in a traditional Japanese kimono. To achieve this, I enlisted the help of a friend who is a Kimono Sensei, ensuring that every detail would be perfect.
Opal Lee photographed by Matthew Jordan Smith in Tokyo, Japan
Preparing for the Shoot: Planning and Precision
Having previously visited the American Ambassador's residence, I was familiar with its high ceilings and decor, ideal for blending American and Japanese elements. I planned to use both the American and Japanese flags as a backdrop, creating a setting that symbolized the connection between the two countries.
To ensure everything ran smoothly, my assistant and I arrived several hours early. This allowed us to test the lighting setup, evaluate the kimono options brought by my friend, and prepare for any quick changes. By the time Opal Lee arrived, we were ready with a selected kimono and a backup jacket option, having meticulously tested the lighting.
Matthew testing the lighting
Opal Lee arriving at the American Ambassador’s residence
The Portrait Session: Capturing the Essence of Opal Lee
The session exceeded my expectations. Despite her age, Opal Lee moved with ease, allowing us to capture both seated and standing portraits. I used my trusted Nikon Z9 with a 50mm 1.2 Nikkor lens and a 105mm 1.4 Nikkor lens, favoring prime lenses for their superior quality. For lighting, I chose a Profoto 120 Soft Zoom Reflector and a Profoto Beauty Dish, ensuring a soft yet striking illumination.
Photographing Opal Lee in various locations within the residence, we achieved a range of looks, each highlighting her grace and the rich cultural setting. Her energy and spirit were truly inspiring, making the session a memorable experience.
Photographing Opal Lee
The Key to Successful Portraits: Pre-production, Research, and People Skills
When it comes to high-end photo shoots, gear is important, but the true essence of success lies in three key areas: pre-production, research, and people skills.
Pre-production: This involves visualizing every detail of the shoot beforehand. From the gear setup to the lighting and even considering potential challenges like weather or power supply issues, thorough preparation is crucial.
Research: Knowing your subject can significantly enhance the shoot. Learning about Opal Lee's background and achievements helped me connect with her and create a more meaningful portrait.
People Skills: Engaging with your subject and making them feel comfortable is essential. Smiling, conversing, and ensuring they have a positive experience can make a significant difference in the final images.
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