People often say to me "So what do you like photographing ?" and I reply, "people". "So you mean portraits then?" they return, "no, people" I say.
So, what's the difference? If you are photographing somebody and, in particular, with their face taking up a significant part of the frame, is that a portrait? I guess most people assume that the term portrait implies that as the photographer I am seeking to reveal some great truth or insight into the inner character of my subject. In some cases that may be, pretentiously, true. However a significant number of people I photograph I barely know, although my relationship with them may be quite intense for the few minutes I might spend with them.
man in pub doorway - Kingstanding, Birmingham 2015
water gypsy Keith - Birmingham and Worcester Canal - 2015
Over the years I have been getting closer and closer (literally) to my subjects. Robert Capa said "If your pictures aren't good enough, you aren't close enough", and although there are many other great photographers who keep a certain distance (yet maintain engagement) setting their sitters in an environment. I have become fascinated by faces themselves. It is, I feel, the main thing we notice about somebody when we first meet and we will use the face, and its owner's expressions, to make many split-second decisions about who and what type of person this is. Some faces are extremely expressive and others more enigmatic, but all are fascinating.
As I mentioned earlier some of the people I photograph are strangers, some I know better and others I am related to. It is the latter I find the most difficult, perhaps it's because I know them the best I feel that the particular photo has to reveal more. I am not sure, however, that this matters quite as much to the audience.
I am hoping that through expression, lighting and composition I can convey my own interest and curiosity. By getting in close there is no hiding place and therefore I may not flatter my subject, neither, I hope, am I seeking to be cruel.