What is Portrait Photography?

Portrait photography is one of the most popular genres of photography,.  Good portrait photographers are able to capture the personality and emotion of people around them. The best photographs that I capture of people will tell their story.  I hope they show the individual how important and worthy of the portrait that they are and it also helps me to better understand my role as a visual artist.  Portrait photography is more than capturing the physical print, it is meant to evoke an emotional response when seen.  

A great example of a session that really captured emotion for me is this session with a family friend, Foster.  This boy, on the cusp of being a man, has a need for adventure and new ideas are always waiting to burst out of him. He already has a full story to tell about his life experiences, full of magnificent details and imagery.   It has always been impossible for Foster to have anonymity and I wonder what that must feel like to him.  What is it like for him to have a group of people know you, who don't really know you, just because they can recognize you in public.  One thing I know for sure is that when I took these photos Foster was laughing, animated, and happier than I have ever seen him in the 12 years I have known him.  I know that seeing himself through my lens, along with his mom and dad, that he sees himself as strong and confident ready for a new chapter in college.  It was truly my pleasure to take these portraits for him.  

Location:  Leroy Oaks Forest Preserve, St. Charles, IL