Is the Portrait Lost?

I had a moment tonight to reflect on the industry over the past decade. It’s pretty much been ten years since I started shooting. In the early years, I would take the time to set up a tripod to photograph a client and get a few strong emotion evoking portraits on a roll of 120 that would tell their individual story. When you had 15-16 frames to capture a vision, you took your time to compose and properly address any potential issues. A professional was efficient and thorough.

Today, photos have seemingly overpowered our senses. Social media such as Facebook and Instagram are photo driven. Many photographers have become lazy relying on editing to elevate their images. Through the desire to post new photos daily I have witnessed the landscape change but with thousands of images blurring our vision daily I feel a strong still-photo maintains its power. A photo can freeze time. When you stop in front of a well thought out image you can't help but pause and take it all in. A thousand words? Perhaps, but I think some can tell so much more - some a lifetime of stories.

More imagery is not always better. I challenge each of you to look at photos with added purpose. Visit museums and galleries and take a deep breath - look past the snapshots that are overwhelming in our day to day activities. Life takes on a new meaning when you are drawn to a portrait that tells a story and this can never be lost.

David