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Narrative Portraits

Portraitists often strive for exact visual likeness. They intent to show the resemblance, personality and even the mood of the person. In past many artists used elements in their portraits (e.g. horses, thrones) to provide information about the subject’s character as well as their place (and power) in the society. When we look at photographs of people, it is often difficult to go beyond the familiar expectation that they are truthful records of what was in front of the camera. Nevertheless as with any photographic genre, a creative approach can be applied to portraiture, too. A photograph of a person can also be a representation of ideas, emotions or narratives that one can purposely create.

I really admire the work of the master photographer Julia Margaret Cameron (1815 – 1879) and I am a big fan of her approach towards portraiture. Aspiring to high art, she looked to the old masters for inspiration and this inspiration was reflected in her photographs portraying characters from history and literature. Her models hold props or pose swathed in great wraps of fabric that hide their contemporary clothes but the figure still remains the central focus. Her portraits have certainly prompted reflection upon photography’s capacities for narrative and fantasy.

I believe that inspiration for different ideas to create a narrative portrait can come literally from anywhere. I get inspired not only by different artists (incl. writers, poets etc) but also by e.g. different cultures, events in life, my family and friends, my surroundings, the past…. The list goes on. When having a go at portraiture, I experiment with different settings, clothes, expressions etc. to find out what works and what doesn’t. There is no need for expensive studio lighting either. A little ‘studio’ can be created at home; all one need is an access to a good light resource. A natural ‘window’ light is perfect and can be used to its best potential. As a background for portraits (if they are done indoors), I use a single-coloured cloth. The reason is that it does not distract from the actual subject. I have found out that darker colours usually work better but it all depends on what one is trying to create. I always use the light reflectors as they help to get detail in shadowed areas. Portraits can also be created outdoors on a location and this can add further elements to the narrative. The main thing is not to be afraid to experiment with different ideas and to fully employ your own imagination.

The more I learn about photography and the more I practise it, the more I believe in the importance of exploring things from different angles and from the less obvious viewpoints. Because with the gained knowledge of your photographic discoveries one is (in my opinion) on the right way of becoming a better photographer.