Favourite portrait photographers

[jaffa_777]

I have always admired really good portrait photographers, not only what they do with the lens and the light, but also how they can earn a subjects trust and break down barriers in a very short amount of time. The thought processes of how they position or don't position there subjects and what length lens they decide to use and what angles they shoot from and how they will position the subject in the frame and what angle the light will come from and how much light will there be etc. How they will talk or not talk and choose to verbally engage or retreat form their subject to produce a desired reaction or disopsition. All the thoughts and possibilities that go into the final product of what they what the viewer to see about the person are nothing short of amazing.

I have been really enjoying the portrait photography of Stephan Vanfleteren. Nothing fancy or modern about his style, but his pictures are so raw and engaging.

http://www.stephanvanfleteren.com/index.htm


Tell me about your favourite portrait photographer, and how do you approach portrait photography whether it be at a street level right down to formal and posed.

Cheers

 

[richiedcruz]

My 2 personal favorites are Imogen Cunningham and Irving Penn. I really enjoy the way that they kept everything as simple as possible, and concentrated on the subject instead of their gadgets and toys. I have always tried to keep things as simple as possible myself. My favorite portraits have all been spur of the moment candid style portraits.

Although I am not necessarily against the use of strobes, or anything like that. I have plenty of flashes myself. But it seems to me that some photographers treat portrait photography as some type of gadget arms race, or a search for some type of secret lighting formula that requires 10 pocket wizards and a truck full of softboxes.

Richie

 

[Thea]

Very interesting work by Stephan Vanfleteren, quite formal and reminds me alot of August Sander.

I dont have a favourite portrait photographer because portraiture is found in every other genre, so, for example, I like the work of Stephen Shore who encompasses portraits to his work.

If you are interested take a look at Simon Roberts:

www.simoncroberts.com

His portraiture is interesting and looks at the broader issues of contemporary Russian life.

 

[aizan]

sally mann
lise sarfati
nan goldin

hmm, all women.

 

[trittium]

sally mann
lise sarfati
nan goldin

hmm, all women.

I really like Nan Goldin as well
Salgado is up there too

 

[mtbbrian]

www.goodmanphoto.com