Portraiture
Portraits rarely feature in my photography – I positively shy away from taking people’s photographs. But this Christmas was very much a tale of three people – myself, my mother and Dermot.
In the richly decorated surroundings of Old Hunstanton’s The Lodge in Norfolk, where we spent the festive season, I caught my mother off guard while joking with Dermot. It’s a natural capture of energy, engagement and a youthfulness defying that Mum is in her ninth decade.
Dermot happily posed for his shot, with a wry smile and looking particularly relaxed. This is perhaps the key to good portraits – not that I would really know!
The only part of the jigsaw missing from this set is my own photograph. Maybe that’s for the best…
mikeosbornphoto 
Can’t believe everyone is adding a decade to your poor (old?!) Mum – I would have guessed early/mid seventies.
I too tend to avoid people at all costs – I had a go last year that turned out quite well (at least I think so!) (http://noelinesmith.wordpress.com/2012/07/11/rings-things/)
I also got brave on holiday this year and asked a few people if I could take their photos. No great results but at least it’s getting easier to ask!
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I’ve broken the news to my Mum of her new great age and she’s taking it in good part! Wow, I love your portraits. Also very impressed that you’ve asked to take people’s photographs – I’m far too timid to do that! Lovely to have your input as always, Noeline.
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Thanks for dropping by Mike.
I’m usually too timid as well but decided it was easier on holiday as I didn’t actually have to say anything – just point at the camera, point at my ‘victim’ (!) and gives a thumbs up – oh yes, and say “OK”. :)
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Ah, the relative anonymity of being on holiday! I must try that the next time I’m away – good idea :-)
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Great images – very energetic and the joie de vivre comes through in both your Mum and Dermot! :)
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Thank you Richard, much appreciated! I might try this sort of thing again :-)
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Portraits take time to master, but they’re great when they work! :) (I sound like an old master, but believe me, I’m not!)
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There are some photographers who do nothing but portraits… I wonder if they’re scared of tackling landscapes?..
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Landscapes don’t move, that’s the good thing about them! :)
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I completely agree, the same with inanimate objects!
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Wonderful portraits! You mama is so beautiful with a wonderful smile. She looks happy!
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Thank you so much, Kaya! She will be very pleased to hear your kind words.
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Wow your mum is great for 90! What a lovely smile too – natural and candid. Dermot looks happy – new socks?
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Oh dear, Mum won’t be happy! She’s in her ninth decade, so eighties. Still pretty good, though. I tend to prefer portraits taken without any knowledge on the rare occasions that I do them.
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What great portraits. I shy away from portraits because they’re so simple but so difficult to do well. I did some of my mom and aunt but the film got fogged by the x-ray machine to the point that they were not usable. Your mother looks so good (for any age). Beautiful skin!! She surely doesn’t show her age (which is just a number anyway).
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Thank you very much. I’d have liked better light, but it’s about catching the moment expressed in a face, especially ones you’re fond of! My mother will be very pleased to read your comment :-) And of course a Happy New Year to both of you.
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Fabulous shot of your Mother and she looks so grand for 90’s!! Well done you!
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Thank you very much, Lucy! Oh, she’s in her 80s – ninth decade. I’ll get shot for revealing that!
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Well Id say that your Mum doesnt look a day over 60! Amazing !
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I’ll pass that on! She’ll definitely approve of that :-) And a Happy New Year, by the way.
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