The Lasting Value of a Portrait

One late night, I was contacted by an adorable couple in New York City whom I had photographed five years earlier. The situation seemed a bit desperate; they were moving to Sydney and had always wanted professional images of their life together in the Big Apple.  Could I possibly jump on a plane and get there the next day?

I shared a plan for shooting.  Importantly, I needed to know how much time they could invest – did they actually have time for the shoot, and time to pack and say their goodbyes?  And, uh, when exactly was the departing flight?  My heart sank when I learned that there was much packing to do before their early Sunday morning flight. This meant there were only pieces of Saturday to spare and they couldn’t see their way through a photoshoot that encapsulated numerous iconic locations which they cherished. 

The message here is quite simple:  If you’ve ever considered beautiful or important photography for you, your loved ones or business, he who hesitates can indeed lose the opportunity.  

Portraits, whether as photographs or paintings, are a living treasure enjoyed in the present moment and passed onto many generations.

What’s the value and power of a portrait?  Coincidence alone can’t explain why so many dictators and politicians have their images splashed on posters throughout cities and towns.  There’s an emotional connection that is often quite powerful. 

• 

• 

• 

• 

The message, story and emotion of a portrait or even a simple headshot, whether joyful, pensive, seductive or dramatic, can actually create an emotive response in total strangers.  I photographed Auschwitz survivor Magda Brown several years ago and shared her story on Facebook.  I was astounded to see how the post traveled far beyond my small network.  Some of the images were impressive and powerful because they truly reflected Magda.  Some of them, again like the then 92-year-old Magda, were beautiful and joyful.  

Want to know the power of a portrait?  The family selected one of the images for her tombstone.  When they visited her gravesite, they longed to see her smile. As a photographer, I felt deep satisfaction in that moment. 

Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa has held such an emotional connection for centuries.  British journalist John Lichfield notes the portrait is “the best known, the most visited, the most written about, the most sung about…” in the world.  Requiring many hours of work, art historians speculate the enigmatic painting took anywhere from several years to a decade to complete.  Some note that Da Vinci likely painted it over a four-year period but did not want to part with it.  The portrait is powerful enough to make it a must-see in Paris for millions of tourists.  Its value is incalculable.

Contrarily, Yousuf Karsh’s portrait of Winston Churchill only took minutes of work (backed by Karsh’s lifetime of experience).  Karsh famously removed Churchill’s cigar and then snapped the image of an agitated prime minister.

• 

• 

Churchill and Mona Lisa represent elite historical characters.  What about the rest of us?

With the advent and plethora of social media, a great or lovely portrait not only pleases your loved ones, it can help your brand.  In fact, it can even help in attracting that significant other. But the value far exceeds social media – a strong or beautiful photograph is immeasurable and lasting, especially when framed or in a book. Beautiful images connect and give from cradle to grave.

Technological advances in photography make the variations of portraiture almost limitless.  Whether taken by morning, evening or studio light, beautiful images of you and your family (or pet, car, motorcycle, favorite beach, location, moment, color, people, etc.) are achievable like never before.  Some photographers are even focusing on documentary-style photography that captures a family or couple over the course of a day or weekend.

My strong advice is to act, regardless of season.  (I make this plea on behalf of all photographers.) 

Yes, it is human nature to feel a bit awkward, uncomfortable or even intimidated reaching out to a stranger but the fact is there are a number of excellent photographers in all corners of the world who welcome your interest.  Most are as passionate about working with you as you are about getting nice results.  Find someone whose work you like and then reach out.  Talk to them.  If you’re comfortable with them, make it happen.  If you have children, consider an annual shoot. 

Indeed, you can never get an image of what you or your loved ones looked like yesterday or last year.  Even now, in my mind’s eye, I can easily imagine how wonderful images of that couple in New York would have been.  

Thanks for your time and a special thanks to 97-year-old Moslem Tajalli.

You can find out more about me on this website.  I’m Scott Edwards, a hybrid  photographer (digital, modern and vintage lens, and a little bit of film) who shoots portraits, lifestyle, commercial and fine art photography. I gladly, thankfully shoot for individuals, families, businesses and organizations.  My fine art work is at scottedwardsfineartphotography.com

Camera: Fujifilm GFX100S with Fujinon GF 110 2.0. 
Lighting: Flashpoint/Godox 600 w/s and two Flashpoint 200 w/s.  22″ Beauty dish + 48″ Westcott Rapidbox Softbox XXL + 38″ Glow Parapop soft box. Background papers by Savage. 

All words and images copyrighted. (C) Scott Edwards, 2021.