A New Portrait
If you come to Life Refocused very often, or have seen my photography on Flickr or Instagram, you have likely noticed that portraits (of other people than myself!) aren’t frequently the focus of my lens. This is not because I don’t enjoy photographing people. It’s more a reflection of not having people readily available in my life to photograph. Living in a new community (yes, even after 5 years, it still feels new to me) with a small handful of local friends who DO NOT like to have their photo taken makes shooting portraits a bit difficult. Additionally, I only live with one other person…and let’s just say that Tony is mostly reluctant to have me take his photograph. He sometimes plays along (for which I’m grateful), but mainly, he’d prefer I turn my lens in other directions. So, I don’t often get the opportunity to work on my portrait photography. But while we were away on vacation in Colorado (have you read about the Best. Hike. Ever.?), our friends and I were enjoying the cool breeze coming across the expansive porch after a morning of hiking, and Tony was in a completely relaxed state. He was enjoying an adult beverage, had stolen my hat to jauntily wear upon his own head, and was simply in the downtime that summer and the mountains brings. So I grabbed my camera, and hearing no complaint, captured Tony in that easy moment. This is my new favorite portrait of him.
To me, this photograph really is Tony. There is something about his expression, the way he is wearing my hat, his reclined posture enjoying summer, all of it, that says “Tony.” If you know him, I hope you see what I see and know what I mean. And after all, isn’t that what a great portrait is all about? Really seeing someone, and capturing an essential part of who they are or what their story is. That’s what this photo of Tony does for me. And that makes me happy.
For those who are interested, this photograph was shot with my Canon AE-1 using expired Agfa 100 film. And, I am shooting more portraits with willing participants! I’d love to shoot you!
Tags: Canon AE-1, Color, Film, Portrait, SOOC, Travel
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Meghan, if I lived in Lincoln, I would let you shoot me anytime! Seriously. I don’t know Tony, but I have a sense of him through your photography, and I love the idea that you captured his essence here.
Thanks, E. I wish you lived here for SO many reasons. xo
That’s *so* Tony.
Thanks, Tim!!
This photo makes me hear Tony’s voice and imagine he’s just about to make one his dry, witty observations about life. Such a great job of capturing a moment and an essence. Love i!
YAY!! Means alot that this is conveyed in this portrait. xo
I can’t wait to meet Tony.
I can’t wait for that either. xo
Love this portrait. It’s such a cool thing to get a portrait “right on” just like that. I’m wanting to take more portraits as well. It makes me kind of sad that so many (my friends too) are so camera shy that they run from our cameras. I just want them to trust me to really see them and to try to capture their awesome with the lens. I’ll just keep trying…
I’m so with you, Deb. Capturing their awesome! I love that. xo
This perfectly captures Tony — love it! Also, you can shoot me anytime and I am in Lincoln
Thanks, Sarah. How’s Saturday morning for you? xo
what a great shot, i dont’ know Tony but I can see what you mean …it’s so totally him
I love when we can get those captures of people. for us and for them.
you can photograph me any time we’re together sweets! xxx
Thanks, Stef!! Can’t wait to shoot you in September at Squam! xoxo
Eeek! I haven’t been here to check out your work in forever. Lovely stuff. I’m happy to say I do know Tony and agree…you capture him perfectly. Keep up the beautiful work…
Yep! You captured the real him, alright! I love it! & both of you too.