Capturing the Essence of Portraits
I am a passionate photographer specializing in fine art, portraits, and abstract photography, dedicated to creating timeless images that reflect the beauty and individuality of each subject.
Absolutely stunning and captivating work!
Emily
"
Roy Snell
My friend Roy
is a special person...
More than 10 years ago I didn't know him. I saw a video about dying black and white analog photography and at the same time about disappearing darkroom profession.
Roy had never gave up despite the whole world was shifting towards digital photography.
When I met him for the first time, he surprised me. He showed me the whole black and white process in his famous darkroom. That was nice!
Roy's darkroom has seen the most famous photographers, and to list just a few of them:
...Portrait photography...
... is a very personal topic. Any kind of art photography require good sense of understanding of the other people and of course, a good eye and sense of moment.
Photography of the other people could be challenging. Many great photographers have been struggling with in this area. There were many reasons for it. Very often it was that the photographer itself was not regarded as person who is an artists (despite it is!). Photographers like i.e. those from newspapers who worked alongside their colleagues who wrote the article, have been given very little amount of time to take the actual pictures. This was often in conjunction with setting up the light - yes, years ago portrait photographer was carrying a single lamp and often a photographic umbrella to the photographed subject.
On the other spectrum of the horizon, there were personas like Bill Brandt who didn't have to work to have money to pay the rent. He had been funded by his well established father who was sending him enough money allowing him to focus on photography in 100%. Of course Bill Brandt did not represent the average photographer, but at the same time he wasn't a tiny minority either, just somewhere in between well prospering edge of the spectrum.
I had a kind of privilege to live very close to the place were Bill Brandt lived his final decades of his life. Here is the short video with him from that place...
There's no easy way to take a good portrait.
Either you have this 'magic thing' in your soul, or you don't :). To make a good portrait it is not enough to grab a camera, point out on the subject and shoot. Some of us have it, and sometimes it seems that they do that very easly like breathing, totally naturally. If you don't then don't worry - there is always architecture left to photograph :)
Jokes aside,
it is important to naturally build a natural bond with the photographed person. It is always needed to do your homework and learn what that person likes. It is a good idea to ask if there's not way to learn it beforehand. It would allow to instigate a conversation and as long as you can do that naturally, all should go easily.
The Connection in Portrait Photography...
Portrait photography holds a special place in analogue photography. Capturing the essence of a person requires a real connection between the photographer and the subject. Working with film encourages this bond, creating an intimacy that can lead to powerful images. These days even process or replacing film in the camera give a good opportunity to talk about it - since all these days is digital, this analogue film is becoming an interesting topic for conversation.
In black and white portrait photography, the focus shifts to the subject’s expressions and emotions. Without color, the nuances of light and shadow can shine, resulting in striking portraits that resonate. Well-known photographers like Richard Avedon have excelled in this style, creating iconic images that linger in the viewer's mind. Avedon’s portraits often reveal vulnerability and strength, showcasing the complexity of the human experience. Due to legal restrictions I can't post here Avedon's work, but please follow the links here to see and enjoy his works.
Creating a portrait with analogue film involves careful planning and engagement with the subject. Photographers need to connect with their models, helping them to show their true selves. This collaborative process often leads to more meaningful images that stand out among the quick snapshots of digital photography.
Portrait photography...
aspects of portrait photography is the ability to tell a story through a single frame. Each image captures a moment in time, reflecting the subject’s personality and emotions. Whether it’s a candid smile or a contemplative gaze, these nuances are what make analogue portraits so compelling. The rich textures and tonal depth of film add an extra layer of feeling, allowing the viewer to connect with the subject on a personal level.