When I’m asked what type of photography do I do, I always answer “Pretty much anything except for portraits.” Then I qualify that statement by saying, “I do environmental portraits, meaning while I’m out and about I’ll take photos of people.” I don’t have the mind for or inclination to set up lights, etc.

So when Ritva set this portrait challenge–yikes! I decided to show you my photojournalism images.

I write a monthly personality profile article for my community’s newsletter. It’s fun and I get to meet people. They don’t mind being interviewed but they do mind having their picture taken. Of course it’s just a mug shot taken outdoors. That’s my expertise level!

Let me know if I’m capturing a little bit of their personality.

Next, I enjoy capturing candid environmental portraits. It’s not easy, and when I get caught, I ask if I can take their picture. Most of the time, they agree; sometimes not. These two gentlemen had no idea I was taking their pictures. But I think they tell their stories.

Now for some fun. My photo buddy Greg, who passed away, had a great sense of humor and posed for me in a Mona Lisa cut out. If anyone can tell me how I photographed three eyes in this alpaca, please let me know! When I brought it into Lightroom, this is what I found.

My last portrait is one that is special to me. It is one I took at my granddaughter’s wedding. It was the only wedding I photographed and the last. I admire all you wedding photographers out there. They were married on the Delta King paddle wheel boat. I was stymied because the management didn’t open the part of the boat facing the river. Anyway, this is my favorite because you can see the love they have for each other.

That’s the extent of my portrait taking. Thanks Ritva for this challenge that helped stretch my thoughts on taking people pictures. When you post your response, please link to Ritva’s post and use the Lens-Artists tag.

I enjoyed seeing how all of your personal life changes affected your journeys. I thank you for sharing your challenges, dreams and accomplishments with us. Tina will present the next challenge, so be sure to look for her post.

Until then, stay safe and live in gratitude!

48 thoughts on “Lens Artists Challenge #340: Portraits”

  2. They are all beautiful Anne and I especially love that sweet moment you caught at your granddaughter’s wedding 🩷 xxx

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Agreed Jo! I’ve heard that you have to establish a relationship with your subject to relax them by talking to them first. But street photography is so different. Candid is all about them not knowing they are being photographed.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  4. Anne, your portraits are so beautiful. The candid shots are the only type I like doing, too. The alpaca is very strange. You captured a unique animal there. The closing shot with your granddaughter is precisely how you described it: you captured love in the image. Beautiful!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  6. Like you, I’m not a fan of portrait photography…….of humans. Somehow it seems like an invasion of their personal space. On the other hand it’s a great way to capture someone’s personality.

    I love the first two portraits in particular, but the last wedding shot is very special. It genuinely captures the love they share for each other.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  7. Thanks Vicki! I do enjoy the work of good portrait photographers, especially when they catch people’s expressiveness and personality. When I processed that wedding image I told me granddaughter how a felt about it and said that he really loves you!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  8. I think you were definitely capturing their personalities. Good pictures. Like you, I don’t do formal portraits (except once or twice). But I do candids when I’m doing something with people or visiting. Yours are good.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  14. Anne, you did well for someone who does care for this kind of photography. The First two in my opinion reveal a bit about their personality, the man looks very natural , in ease and open. Like this is me. The woman is not so comfortable with a little bit forced smile, that did not reach the eyes. All this to say you caught something of these people in that moment. I don’t know if my take is the correct one, but…

    and, as you said, you captured love in the last shot.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  15. I remember a time when people would go to a studio to have their photo taken. The photos that resulted were good (sometimes very good) but the photographers were not considered to be artists. I hope to attain that level of expertise at some point. You are way ahead of me on this road.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much I. J.! I think studio work is so different than environmental portraits. Studio work is a sterile capture of a wonderful memory, while environmental work tells a story. I truly don’t think I’m ahead of you on this journey. Your post on this was simply awesome!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. Thanks Donna! I offered to take the wedding photos because I knew she couldn’t afford a professional photographer. I did research on poses, etc. It was fun and I did get some good pictures, but never again for this old lady!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  18. Anne, I love your answer “Pretty much anything but portraits.”. That goes for me , too. However, you have a wonderful collection of portraits here. The alpaca is too funny! I love the one of your granddaughter’s wedding. I can feel the love.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  19. I always give exactly the same answer! Like you I can’t be bothered with studio lighting etc., but I do like to photograph people in a more natural way. I’d not heard the term ‘environmental portraits’ but it captures my approach perfectly – thank you 🙂 Whether posed or candid, I much prefer to photograph people in their natural setting, as you have with those two gentlemen above.

    Meanwhile I love your wedding photo, so much more engaging than the sort of formal shots the professional photographers often take. And I laughed at your three eyed alpaca, though I have no idea how that could have happened!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thanks Sarah! You are a great master of environmental portraits! I love that wedding portrait also. As for the alpaca, I guess it will remain a mystery since no one has come up with a possible answer!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  23. I can’t think of anything more stressful than a wedding to shoot. Kudos to you. If the other photos were as emotionally reflective as this one, your granddaughter must have been overjoyed with the results. I haven’t heard the term ‘environmental photography’, but I like what you did here. As far as the first two, I agree with what others have said. Just a thought – ask your subject questions about something you know they love (grandchildren, pets, hobby), etc. while you watch through your lens. You will know the moment to shoot.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

Leave a comment