such an interesting article, from 2008, on conscientious regarding what makes a great portrait?
is it…
an intangible element
luck and patience
the graphic elements, framing, lines and light
what is said about the image maker
what is said about the subject
images that make a statement
vulnerability and awkwardness
a feeling and reaction
an insight into an inner universe
an element of surprise
insightful and engaging
a meaningful connection
an emotional exchange
tension in the moment
infused with believability
mutual trust
a raw and honest exchange
the capturing of a state of grace
something that rarely happens
an unanswerable question
these were some of the thoughts (of photographers, bloggers, curators, editors and gallerists) shared on conscientious.
the article has me thinking (a lot) about the portraits i’ve taken. what i love. what i don’t love. what i’ve been doing. what i haven’t been doing. where i hope to go. it also has me thinking about how much growing i have yet to do. i try and remind myself often that it’s only been six years and i still have so much to learn, expand upon and explore. and patience…i must simply have patience. and continue to study and work hard.
after i read the article, i spent some time with my accessible work | portraits. here are some portraits i’ve taken over the past few years that strongly speak to me for one reason or another…
so, what do YOU think makes a great portrait?
i hope you’ll not only take the time to read the article, but also sit with your own work and thoughts for a while.
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I love your work, Deb. You make gorgeous gorgeous portraits. Real, raw, beautiful.
I agree with the article too, it reminds me I need to work on some personal projects. Time gets in the way and it’s easy to forget to shoot for yourself. Thanks for posting!
My opinion of a great portrait is the conversation the image exudes. The conversation may be between the ppl in the portrait or between the person in and the observer of the image.
I ask myself that same question almost everyday! I can see why these portraits speak to you..they are real..raw..seemingly not posed..if that makes sense. Beautiful! Thanks for sharing..
Deb, I love how this post goes beyond just “emotion”. I’m sharing it…
And agree. Your work is moving in ways indescribable.
The images you chose are as many already said, raw, unposed. They also have that interesting juxtaposition between the child as the subject and that maturity they are displaying in several of the shots. You can almost see the adults they will become, even though you know they are children. It’s sort of like Sally Mann’s work in the intensity of some of the images, the piercing stare and adult mannerisms conveyed through the children. (Which is a huge compliment from me because I LOVE Sally Mann!) Beautiful work.
I love the portraits you chose. I’ve been thinking about what photographs I take that seem the truest to me {as an artist}. I’m starting to see that the portraits I really respond to aren’t the over-the-top happy pictures I’ve seen too much of. I sometimes fall into the trap of taking a photograph like that, and while it may be nice it doesn’t do much for me. I like portraits that communicate thought or contemplation.