Why Portraits?

Hunter Family

There are so many different types of photography out there. So how did I end up with portraiture? Honestly, not really sure. I was always into photography, carrying around a camera wherever I went and wanting to take cool photos. I sank into this niche when Mr. McGunagle, my ninth grade English teacher, took us to Harvard Square, one of Boston’s (well Cambridge) many gems, and I brought my camera. I used this as an opportunity to sharpen my skills (photography pun intended), capturing the beautiful cityscapes and scenery surrounding the Harvard area. As soon as Mr. McGunagle let us go, Maddie, Ashley, and I took off exploring all off the nooks and crannies the area had to offer. Naturally, we began taking photos of each other, and I eventually started “directing” some artistic poses that popped into my head, thinking of the other photographers I have seen on Instagram and other social media networks.

Portrait photography is perhaps one of the most important sectors of the art form: it is a time-machine, beaming us back to better and worse times so that we may remember, a storybook so that we may imagine things, and a telescope to look into the eyes of others. Most importantly, it allows others to see each other and themselves the way I see them, to notice and appreciate the beauty that I see within them.

Portraiture also allows me to grow love, whether that be families, couples, animals, or children. A mirror only reflects what you see, not what I see. Honing in on the unique and special relationships people have with one another, I use my camera and my perspectives to ensnare the vitality of their families, to help each other see what they might not otherwise.

While I love to explore other sectors of photography, portraiture is definitely my passion and my calling. Some of my other passions include landscapes, product photography, and freelance. All of these things do similar things, but humans and expression are the lifeline of our existence.