Portfolio- Portraits
This is a representation of my photographic work of Environmental Portraits from the last 54 years. Images are both scanned traditional silver halide prints and original source digital medium.
What is an Environmental Portrait?
An Environmental Portrait is a photograph of an individual, couple, family or group in a situation that reflects the personality of who they are as represented by their surroundings and the rendition of their faces, hands and body in relation to that. It is a natural, unassuming and truthful representation of that person or persons in a setting that portrays them within the context of who they are and what they do. Environmental Portraits are typically done in one's home, place of business or within the context of a hobby, passion, community service situation or some other similar venue so that the background and surroundings contribute to the viewer's totally understanding of who the portrait sitter actually is. In this manner, the subject is more engaged in the portrait, because they are proud and pleased that it reflects the totality of who they are instead of just a "standard" head and shoulders photograph. An example of this would be taking a photograph of a physician in his or her office with surroundings that reflect their calling, professional stature and caring. A portrait photograph of this nature is more important for documenting who a person is for future family generations to appreciate than simply recording a "slick" studio image that an ordinary photography of limited imagination can easily produce. Environmental portraits are down to earth and yet flattering because that are not superficial, contrived and filled with flair and pomposity which is commonplace today.
A good Environmental Portrait allows a stranger to understand who the sitter is without ever having met them and an outstanding one causes the viewer to want to meet that individual and learn more because the portrait has stimulated their intellectual curiosity.
