What is in a portrait?

Eyes of July

I photographed this particular image entitled Girl with brown hair near Victoria in London, England as part of a series which I will eventually get around to painting in oil on canvas.

Portrait photography has to be my most favoured form of photographic expression.  Perhaps it is because I am a people watcher. It could be because I was painting before I ever picked up a camera and when I look at a photo, its the eyes that are the first thing I see. I really likes energy and personality in a photo.  I believe that a great portrait will have these bases covered.  

I have always appreciated portraiture in other forms of art, though mainly paintings.  Some of my favorite being From the Dutch painter Vermeer such as his et Meisje met de Parel (girl with pearl earring), and the Italian artist Leonardo da Vinci with his Mona Lisa. There were indeed many others who had caught my eye in my youth (too many to name in such a short article).

 I believe that finding good texture and light while establishing a connection between the viewer and portrait will conjure some kind of magic that is undeniable.  The energy is real if it was there between the photographer and subject.  So if well captured, this great energy no matter how subtle or electric, will be perpetually reconnecting and reignited with each new viewer.  I believe that every viewer brings with them their own baggage when looking at art. This will mean that every person will feel something different based on their own experiences and mood.