Portraiture is about the Photographer - Source Material?

[Frank Petronio]

I've often heard and somewhere I've read that "portraits are really more about the photographer than the subject."

I've seen that sentiment written multiple times - perhaps in one of the Richard Avedon book's foreword?

Does anyone know where this notion originated and where it has been expressed most clearly and effectively?

 

[dave lackey]

I've often heard and somewhere I've read that "portraits are really more about the photographer than the subject."

I've seen that sentiment written multiple times - perhaps in one of the Richard Avedon book's foreword?

Does anyone know where this notion originated and where it has been expressed most clearly and effectively?

Never heard that. Interesting. I doubt thought that my portraits hanging in my clients, friends and families houses bring any comment about the photographer, it's usually that the camera used by the photographer sure takes good pictures.