What did I discover as a Portrait Photographer?

Portrait photography was a lot harder than I had anticipated. In the previous still life photography project, we experimented with different angles, camera features, and created a cohesive series. Many of us developed themes for our pictures, but most of our subjects were not of other people. In comparison to the previous project, I had found myself to be very indecisive about how I should frame my subject, what kind of photos I should take, and which photos to choose to be shared. I admire portrait photographers because they are able to have the courage to ask strangers to take their photos and represent their subjects in a way that appeals to both the photographer, subject, and viewers. I was very hesitant when asking people I knew and strangers I had met to take their photo because I was afraid of having problems portraying them in a way that both my subject and I would like. However, I would like to take more portrait photographs when there are more opportunities in the future and develop a thicker skin to ask strangers to take their photographs, especially in New York City, where I was originally planning to take photographs of others during spring break because it was fun to get to know my friends better and meet new people. I do not know exactly how I would do so, but perhaps I could create a new series of people I meet on this website. I recognized that even to choose my self-portrait photographs I was very critical about what I wanted to convey about myself with my photographs. Overall, my inner conflicts about portrait photography were the hardest aspect for me and it is what I would like to work on in the future.

Although we are currently self-quarantining due to COVID-19, I had the opportunity to take some photos of a person I knew and a person I did not know.

Someone I Know:

Naïka

Senior, Biology Major, Pre-Med Track

Favorite Quote: “You can’t give up on the things that make your eyes light up or your voice shake when you talk about it.” – yvethepoet

 

B.A.S.I.C

Naïka serves as a leader for a campus ministry club called BASIC (Brothers and Sisters in Christ). She has been a part of this club ever since her freshman year and has been the highlight of her time at Stony Brook University. Her favorite part about being a leader is that she is able to walk alongside others on their journeys with Christ.

Off To The Side

Naïka also enjoys reading and has been something that she has not been able to do recently, so during the quarantine she is making time to read more while also spending quality time with her family!

Straight Foward

Naïka was born in Haiti and moved to the United States when she was 2 years old. Her culture is a big part of who she is and she loves showcasing it. Since her freshman year she has also been a part of the Carribbean Students’ Organization and served as president during her junior year.

Shine!

In this photo, Naïka’s smile really shines through. Although too much light went into the camera and the photograph was not completely focused, I really liked her smile.

Someone I did not know:

Elijah

Junior, Biology Major

Favorite Quote: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannout drive out hate; only love can do that.” – Martin Luther King

Close-Up

I had the opportunity to talk to and get closer to Elijah a little bit, so he ended up not being that much of a stranger anymore.

Just For Fun!

Elijah enjoys swimming and playing guitar. One of his recent goals is learning tricks on the skateboard. He is catching up on all the Marvel movies currently!

Hope you enjoyed this! 🙂