Passing by the magazine rack and seeing all the celebrities on the covers and seem to pull you into these powerful portraits. Every wonder why they can be so striking? Obviously a familiar face that we recognize, but it is mostly by design. Through styling, posing, direction, and backgrounds it all comes together to create an image that is meant to draw you in.
As a very visual person, I need to see something first before I can start to comprehend what it means. That goes for studying or actively doing something. I also was the type of person who loved picture books and magazines because it was so visual. I would often not read a single word the first time I flipped through a magazine and only looked at the images and ads. That visual nature is why I love photography and creating through this visual medium. A portrait, in particular, can be very powerful when all the elements come together.
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Creating a Powerful Portrait
Creating a portrait that goes above and beyond just a snapshot takes some work, both from the photographer and the person in front of the lens. As the photographer, I am in charge of showing the subject as they are or as we intend. For me that starts with the background, isolating the subject from any distracting elements that might be in the background. Many of those celebrity portraits we see on the covers are using a simple background or wall so that the person in it is the only thing we see. After that it comes down to lighting, expression, posing, wardrobe styling, and connection. But for me, powerful portraits start with the background.
A portrait can be very revealing for many people. Any probably why many of us don’t like having our picture taken. That I think is the best part of creating portraits. The fact that we can truly be seen as we are and yes that can be uncomfortable. Connecting with my subjects before the photoshoot and guiding them through posing and expressions are ways I get to know those in front of my lens. Then with a simple, clean background, they can stand out and shine.
Some of my favorite portrait photographers used simple backgrounds like canvas or a wall to create their art. And it is not a new trend either. Irving Penn, Richard Avedon, and Peter Lindbergh all had portraits like this and they are now iconic images. Platon, Sue Bryce, and many more are using this simple idea now to create stunning portraits of celebrities and everyday people alike.
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The End Goal
The ultimate goal, for me, for any portrait, is to give space for the person to be who they are or are wanting to step into. That story and connection are what I look for in portraits and is that little something extra that completely elevates the image to something so much more. Clients have looked at images and proclaimed they have never liked so many images of themselves before or I really see my self in these images. A little confidence boost in hard times or wanting to step into who they want to be are the transformations I love seeing during the shoot. We all should have images of ourselves that show our true, powerful selves. Both as a reminder for us to look at and for our family to have and look back on.
When was the last time you were photographed? I invite you to experience a portrait experience and see yourself in a new light.
