As long as people have made art, there have been portraits. Royalty, religious figures, and the  wealthy were mostly the painted subjects. During the Baroque period, artists found interest in depicting the lives of commoners. Then in 1839, the first light painting, the photograph -was created. It was a self portrait.

 

Eyes and hands draw my attention as I attempt to make the generous person standing before me comfortable enough for their spirit to shine through. It's a collaborative effort.

 

Photographing more than one person challenges the group to cooperate with one another. Forcing smiles, or working to diminish a teen’s moody moment, or cheering up a sleepy toddler is not the way I work. I will photograph you as you show up.

 

It may not make the perfect  Christmas card, but in its place, a striking portrayal of the extraordinary reality of being human.