People portrait studies

Another portrait study this time of children that were photographed in Infanta, Quezon

Another portrait diptych study this time of children that were photographed in Infanta, Quezon

I have always been fascinated with people portraits and the different approaches that photographers have when it comes to this genre. Works of Rineke Dijkstra, Alec Soth as well as Charles Freger fascinates me: their visual language, the ideas behind their work, and the fact that they always do it in series.

A fried peanut hawker which is part of a series of Malate market vendor portraits I did in 2007

A fried peanut hawker which is part of a series of Malate market vendor portraits I did in 2007

Since 2007, especially after joining a workshop on portrait documentary photography under Kat Palasi at the Silverlens Gallery, I have taken portraits of people in a more structured manner. My approach has always been to photograph them in their natural environment using only available light.

Like Freger, I am interested with groups of people with a common profession or way of life. Unlike Freger, I’m not into the concept of uniforms and the exclusionary nature that these uniforms connote. A certain commonality like an idea that binds them together or people living in a particular place also appeals to me. For me, its more than just portraits or their profession. Its giving them a face.

Portraits of Senakulo actors during a street performance in Makati City

Portraits of Senakulo actors during a street performance in Makati City

As of now, I prefer to call these as studies because I’m still in the process of experimentation. Trying out different approaches to know what will work well for me and my subjects. Will diptychs be okay? Full body shots or just head shots? Plenty of background or subdued and out of focus?

Another portrait study of a "gamet" gatherer from Ilocos

Another portrait study of a "gamet" gatherer from Ilocos

In two previous posts, I’ve tried out portrait diptychs like those of the Infanta flagellants and a jai alai player. Here, its full body shot paired with a headshot. When Cory’s cortege passed, I also tried another approach. My idea for this one was that instead of focusing on the event itself, I trained my camera on the people’s reactions as the remains of the former president made its way in Ayala Ave.

Well, doing people portaits is still fluid for me. I will still be experimenting.

31 August 2009

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  • http://my_sarisari_store.typepad.com/ Sidney

    For me the diptychs don’t work… it is difficult for the viewer to focus at two faces at the same time…

    Your children portraits are good but the adult you see behind is annoying.

  • http://www.ngarud.i.ph ngarud

    Like you i have the same concern when shooting portraits. Thanks for posting this article and I definitely like the photos in the Cory’s cortege passed. I noticed that most of the people there are holding their cp. Would you say that that is one way of structuring a series of portraits? or would that be a bad way. I will surely follow your blogs. thanks!!!

  • http://www.estancabigas.com estan

    sidney, i seem to like the incomplete form of the adults at the background and it was intentional. it is that instance when the child is being goaded by the parent to look at the camera but the expression of the subject is still confused :)

    for the diptychs, these are more studies: whole body shot tries to portray the subject as is, his background or even kind of work/recreation/etc. and the close up of the face is to look more into his essence as a person.

  • http://www.estancabigas.com estan

    ngarud, i still have a lot of experimentation to do and these will definitely guide me next time.

    re the cory cortege portraits, i’m not very concerned about what they are carrying. what is important for me are there expression when the remains passed.