Why do we make portraits ?

[John Bragg]

Personally I find the process of engaging with a subject fascinating. It works well most of the time, and there are times when it is less successful. How we project ourselves as photographers makes a huge difference too. A shy or reluctant subject may be more relaxed if we employ humour. Why do we photograph our fellow human beings ? I guess I like people and that's why I do it.

Untitled_258021GB by E.J. Bragg, on Flickr

 

[MattKing]

I find that it is often most fun as well as being most rewarding when the subject are where they are comfortable, and where they can be comfortable with you. It almost certainly helps that I grew up immersed in the photographic world, so having a camera around is comfortable for me.
An environmental portrait of someone I encountered at a wharf side fish market:

Of course, I did learn a bit when young from that immersion:

(that is me ~55 years ago, in the front wearing the brown coat, beside my younger brother, and in front of Dad and Mom)

 

[Sirius Glass]

Portraiture is only improved by doing it yourself.

 

[Sean Mac]

Sometimes it is possible to capture a little insight into an individual's psychology....

 

[snusmumriken]

I wish I could photograph people whose characters interest me; but I'm not good with people, totally unable to put sitters at ease.

Then again, 8.1 billion people on this planet ... why do we need to photograph them?

 

[ace_666]

The human face is as intriguing and complex a sight as that of the Milky Way. Some people have eyes which triumph that of the most beautiful star clusters. In cinema, Ingmar Bergman once remarked:

“The close-up, the correctly illuminated, directed and acted close-up of an actor is and remains the height of cinematography. There is nothing better. That incredibly strange and mysterious contact you can suddenly experience with another soul through an actor’s gaze. A sudden thought, blood that drains away or blood that pumps into the face, the trembling nostrils, the suddenly shiny complexion or mute silence, that is to me some of the most incredible and fascinating moments you will ever experience.”

Furthermore, these portraits act as reminders, memories encased as images of the people we've lost. They are about preserving life. I am always taken aback when I see a portrait from someone in the 19th century. They are so humbling, and often comedic. Portraits are the most difficult exercise in photography, but the most worthy.

 

[flowerpunk]

I like portraits especially Natural light B/W . My wife always thinks I get to close up. But that just what I prefer. Like this one I did back in 73.

 

[Rolleiflexible]

(that is me ~55 years ago, in the front wearing the brown coat, beside my younger brother, and in front of Dad and Mom)

Matt! Here I am, 64 years ago, and already shooting a Brownie!

 

[MattKing]

Matt! Here I am, 64 years ago, and already shooting a Brownie!

Precocious even then!

 

[loccdor]

I wish I could photograph people whose characters interest me; but I'm not good with people, totally unable to put sitters at ease.

Not true, I can see that you've taken many excellent pictures of people.

I'm not great with people, so I stick to portraits of the ones I'm close with. But that can be enough.

 

[eli griggs]

For me, it's the excitement of getting a really memorable shot, especially if the photographic subject is an inspiring, secret muse, a woman.

Other exciting elements including getting more than a snap from a shot, child, man or woman, or making big a scene or set really pop, with the focus on the person or persons, who compliment the environment.

Good portraiture is a real change that must be met.

 

[snusmumriken]

Not true, I can see that you've taken many excellent pictures of people.

I'm not great with people, so I stick to portraits of the ones I'm close with. But that can be enough.

Thank you for that surprising complement! (Edit: compliment - darn’ spellchecker!) But honestly it is true that I can’t handle people. I so envy those of you who can maintain a cheerful or interested banter in any circumstances, but especially when also fiddling with a camera. I grimace when concentrating, and if I try to smile all I can produce is a ghastly frozen grin.

 

[John Bragg]

I like people and also like the challenge of capturing some of their essence and personality. My biggest step forward in technique was to learn not to rely on strobes, but instead to read available light, even if that is provided by a single light bulb and use it to my advantage.

Wednesday by E.J. Bragg, on Flickr

 

[RezaLoghme]

I recently picked up Susan Sonntag's book on photography and am intrigued by the whole "taking" vs. "making" a photo.

When taking/making someone's portrait, are you excercising power over your portraitee?

 

[eli griggs]

I like people and also like the challenge of capturing some of their essence and personality. My biggest step forward in technique was to learn not to rely on strobes, but instead to read available light, even if that is provided by a single light bulb and use it to my advantage.

Wednesday by E.J. Bragg, on Flickr

Great work.

 

[John Bragg]

I recently picked up Susan Sonntag's book on photography and am intrigued by the whole "taking" vs. "making" a photo.

When taking/making someone's portrait, are you excercising power over your portraitee?

Jane Bown always claimed that she had to establish a rapport with her subjects for the magic to happen and that it was a two way thing like a conversation.

 

[John Bragg]

Great work.

Thankyou very much.