I created this video recently called, 'The war in every portrait.'
It's based on a quote I heard. Embarrassingly I can't remember where, and I've likely butchered by now but it said something like:
"Every portrait is a war between the sitter’s vanity and the photographer’s guile."
In the video I talk predominantly to portrait and headshot photographers about how to look beneath the exterior to capture the authentic person sitting in front of you. Using the example of Karsh's portrait of Churchill in '41 as a springboard I give some tips on making your subject feel comfortable, and a challenge to photographers to sit for their own portrait or headshot sessions to remind them how vulnerable it can feel, and to give them empathy when they shoot others.
But I'll shut up now and just let you watch:
If you enjoyed it, please share it on.
Here is a photo I shot of my wife during the making of this video:
...and here's one she took of me when we turned the tables:
Check her out, she's a very talented, high end retoucher (as well as a talented photographer, even though she won't admit it): www.sarahjeantucker.com
Till next time.