What Does a Portrait Mean to You?

Most of us have been impacted by a portrait in one way or another, be it through the lens of historical and artistic influence, or merely encountering portraits of family members we once new and have since passed away. We make a peculiar connection with portraits because of our desire to see and know, to be curious about who this person was/is and what kind of person they might be. It is almost as if we can divine some meaning or profound insight from the features expressed in the medium. 

For me, portraits have always been a point of fascination. In my study of photography I have seen many compelling photos but still none carry the gravitas of a well executed portrait.  A few years ago, I came across the most amazing series of photo journalistic portraits I have ever seen. New York based photographer, Joey L, brought names and faces to a people that were previously unknown to me, forever impacting the way I view portraiture. 

Portraits exist in many different forms and nearly everyone has many of the ones they love in their homes. Many of us have portraits of family we will never meet and they remain as treasures and heirlooms. Portraits have historically been made to mark a great change in the life of those being painted or photographed. In the early days of photography, the portrait was something that was time consuming far more complicated that it is today. And with the investment of that time and energy of making photographs, intentionality became of primary importance. There was a reason to have the portrait made and a message that portraits were intended to convey. 

Allow me to share a few portraits I have made over the years and what they are intended to convey in their construction. All photos below are my own and are not for sale. 

This photo was taken in November of 2014, just 3 months after the shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, MO. Deep in the dredges of depression era photography, I chose to style this portrait after the American Gothic from Gordon Parks 

This is a portrait of Teddy, who was our wonderful family dog, always full of love and lived with us for 12 years after we adopted him. By the time he was 14, he could not stand up on his own or see well enough to find his food and water bowl. We were unable to do anything more for him this portrait became my farewell to Teddy. 

A portrait that I made for my Senior Integration Project at Covenant College. The series of portraits (found here) highlighted something unique and beautiful about each person and their innate connection to the "Imago Dei" the "Image of God". Greyson, uses his God-given talent to make quality wood furniture. He is holding a tape measure. 

Ted Reeder, a man I met in Chattanooga, TN while attending Covenant College. This was an impromptu portrait and in the moment, many things lined up to provide great light and a subject with a deep and reflective expression. 

I have had only two opportunities to photography my grandparents, this was one of them. A portrait that still stands in my grandmother's condo. My grandfather has since passed and the portraits I made for them are a treasure to my family, especially my grandmother. Yesterday would have been their 51st anniversary 

These photographs are not for sale but I am more than happy to talk about any of these and show you many more portraits I have done over the years. 

Let me know which portrait was your favorite! And if you have any portraits that are precious to you! (www.facebook.com/farmerphoto)

The link to Joey L's portraits. (  > Click Here <  )