What Makes a Portrait Great?

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. We've all heard it and we know it's true. So, that said, what makes a portrait great? You could ask ten people this question and you could get ten different answers. Every one has their own taste and styles. Therefore, their idea of a great portrait may be different. In my eyes what makes a portrait great is capturing the person. Not just an image of the person but everything about that person. Don't get me wrong....lighting, composition, all that stuff is important in the making of a great portrait. However, a mom and her point-and-shoot camera can capture a great portrait of her child. A great portrait goes beyond the lighting and composition. It's the split second decision to snap the photo right when you see their personality shine through. It's not a pose. It's the subject being himself. It's that smile you only see when she's doing something she loves. It's the expression that makes him look just like his grandmother. That is what makes a portrait great.

The Importance of Portraits

Every family should have their portraits made at least once a year. A matter of fact, I think all families should have their own personal photographer (you know, like the President and his family) to follow them on vacations, field trips, promotions and just hanging out in the back yard. To capture those quiet moments. A little toddler closely inspecting a bug. Teenage siblings getting along and sharing a quiet moment. A brand new baby taking a nap. A dad showing his child how to hold a baseball. Life is full of moments that you don't even realize are happening.
So how often do you take photos of your family? Every day? Once a week? Only during special occasions? Some of you may be saying "I don't even own a camera". If you're that person please contact me! We've got a lot of talking to do!! So anyway, how often does your family have a formal portrait done? And I use the term formal loosely. Some folks only have their portrait done when they add a new family member. Others every 5 years or whatever increment of time suits them. I feel that it's very important to have a portrait done at least once a year. Portraits are a great way to chronicle our lives. It documents the funky hairstyles (and possibly changing colors), the fashions, and growth (whether it's a child growing up or an adult growing out). It's also great to leave photos behind for our great-great-great grandkids to look through and laugh at the hairstyles and fashions. Or maybe say "Hey, you've got her nose".
No matter how often you have your formal portrait done, it should be done at least once in your lifetime. And guess what....a great portrait doesn't have to be expensive!