What’s in a portrait?

Click to enlarge

I’m not a photographer of people. I prefer the ease and reliability of landscapes, architecture and, well, objects. If figures do make their way into my frames, it’s in moments of candour or they just happen to waft into the frame.

So this is a rare venture. Mike is sitting on a favourite armchair in my apartment, gazing out at the canal. He looks serious yet relaxed. While he knew I was there with the camera, the only direction from me was not to pose, just to let the photograph happen.

What’s made me interested in portraiture? Well, it’s when you find yourself a willing sitter who is actually pleased that you want to take their photograph. It helps if you have a connection to them and want to capture their likeness, mood and their moments. Sharing the results with them and ensuring you’re both happy completes the circle of portrait creation. Can you really do this with a building?…

Tags: Castlefield, gazing, introspective, male subject, Manchester, monochrome, photography, portrait photography tips, portraiture

15 thoughts on “What’s in a portrait?”

Noeline Smith on May 12, 2017 at 18:50 said:

Lovely portrait with a strong impression of quiet confidence …. I look forward to seeing more portraiture!
I tend to avoid people at all costs (other than one or two awkward attempts!) and hate having my own photo taken so Laura’s comment was interesting :)

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- mikeosbornphoto on May 12, 2017 at 20:15 said:
  
  Thank you very much, Noeline. It’s just a moment here at home. This sitter may well crop up again :) I’m still unconvinced about taking portraits of people I’m not connected to. It’s good to be scared!
  
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ckponderings on May 12, 2017 at 12:40 said:

Gorgeous portrait, Mike. Even though it’s an ‘unposed’ shot, there’s a warmth and sensitivity to it which draws you in. Great work! :)

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- mikeosbornphoto on May 12, 2017 at 13:02 said:
  
  Thank you very much, Richard, I’m glad that you like it. I don’t think this will be the last one of Mike – a willing and very engaging sitter ;-)
  
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  - ckponderings on May 12, 2017 at 17:10 said:
    
    Oh really! ;)
    
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    - mikeosbornphoto on May 12, 2017 at 17:48 said:
      
      Koos saw through it straight away with the first photo of him :)
      
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      - ckponderings on May 13, 2017 at 13:20 said:
        
        Awwww xx
        
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Alexander Lautsyus on May 11, 2017 at 21:23 said:

Mike it is something new from you and done excellent!

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- mikeosbornphoto on May 12, 2017 at 10:10 said:
  
  Thank you Alexander! Hopefully there will be more to come with my new subject :)
  
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Cos on May 11, 2017 at 18:50 said:

You should make more portraits, Mike. Again, a beautiful portrait of a handsome man!

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- mikeosbornphoto on May 11, 2017 at 21:19 said:
  
  Thank you Koos :) Maybe there are portraits and portraits? Mike was very pleased to read your comment over my shoulder ;))
  
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Laura Bloomsbury on May 11, 2017 at 14:52 said:

Once you get over hating to have your photo taken you are a natural portraitist ;) Even as a small child I always avoided the camera so can only do people shots discreetly!

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- mikeosbornphoto on May 11, 2017 at 15:28 said:
  
  Well I haven’t returned the compliment and allowed Mike to take my photo yet, well, at least with my full knowledge! It’s never quite taken off for me but maybe the tide has finally turned!
  
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notjustagranny on May 11, 2017 at 12:14 said:

Lovely photo Mike. My daughter Cémanthe is an excellent people photographer. She gets such amazing comments from people who loathe having their photo taken. She recently completed a course in documentary photojournalism which she loved. But yes, I agree. I prefer to take photos of objects, buildings, landscapes and the outdoors.

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- mikeosbornphoto on May 11, 2017 at 13:36 said:
  
  Thank you, Cindy, and lovely to hear from you, I hope all is well with you. Your daughter must have a rare talent with people. I find it very tough to master, although it seems that I’ve found a regular and willing sitter which is fuelling a new interest. I’m not quite sure how photographers feel quite the same with strangers who walk into their studio expecting great things…
  
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