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.
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 < )