Portrait Style

What are you looking for? I never ask myself this question but I have often been asked. There is more to an alluring portrait than bone structure, proportion, good lighting and blemish-free skin. Part of my pursuit is to create a portrait that links the subject’s inner and outer beauty. Anyone can craft a shallow portrait, but I yearn for authenticity. This isn’t usually possible when shooting a quick portrait of an executive or entertainer for a magazine assignment. I respect a broad range of personalities, I avoid casting anyone into a cardboard box. Natural grace and elegance are qualities I am most interested in capturing in a portrait. Organized lines and harmony between my subject and their environment are also key pursuits.

Angelene’s devotion to making our first session a winner registered when, without any insurance provision from me, she took my direction and patiently perched herself on the sloping edge of an infinity pool, then tussled with the wind as it swept her hair, accessory and skirt. When a subject brings such commitment to the table I am doubly obliged to deliver the shot. Bustier and skirt by Kimya Glasgow.

The contemporary fashion scene shows favor for the eye that delivers portraits that evoke a relaxed lifestyle: Ditch snooty, insert quirky. Searching the lush grounds of a waterfront condo complex in Bermuda for a well-lit spot, I turned around, saw sun glares drape Liana‘s shoulder like gemstones, snapped, and voila! Effortless is the trend in style portraits. Translation: don’t sweat trying to be complex in how you pair props, location, shooting style and the subject of your portrait. Dresses by Alicia Wanklyn.

I am guided by a person’s facial features to set the angle and approach to using light to evoke mystery, mood, and sometimes attitude. Dress by Nestae Sealy.

Reflecting on the bevy beauty queens I have photographed, such as Miss World finalist Michelle Khan lounging in the Pitch Lake for a swimsuit layout, Miss Universe finalist La Toya Woods (below in white jumper) and Miss World finalist Kaneisha Thom (below with hoop earrings), I sometimes wonder, perhaps, I should have been a model agent. Well, I dabbled in that arena when I found Dominique Armorer in the audience of a fashion show and signed her to Elite in 2000 (see caption below). I still freelance scout based on my first success story.

My fave outtake from test shoots with Dominique at age 15 wearing an outfit I sourced at army-navy thrift shops. This session was part of my yearlong training with her in preparation to present her to just five model agencies in New York City. They each offered a contract. We signed her initial contract with Elite Model Management and I served as her ‘Mother Agent’. She soon snagged campaigns for Kenneth Cole, Aveda, Garnier Fructis and Levi’s. Makeup and hair: Paulla DeSouza.