HOW PORTRAITS LIE - What to be aware of in your portrait photography

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HOWPORTRAITS LIE - What to be aware of in your portrait photography
What is the purpose of a portrait?
Aristotle put forth the notion that we judge how ‘good’ something is based on how well it fulfils its intended purpose. So what does a good portrait do that a bad one fails to? What should a photographer aspire to achieve when they make a portrait of someone?
One of the most common pieces of praise I hear about portraits is when people say things like “You’ve really captured that person’s soul.” or “That photo really embodies who that person is”. I think this is often the general perception of what a great portrait does. This is nonsense. One single image can't communicate the complexities, nuances, contradictions, thoughts and feelings of a human being. I think at best this is a misunderstanding of what photography can do, and at worst, a deliberate manipulation of how an audience perceives a person or people.
To explain the latter a little more, we need to look at Dorothea Lange’s iconic image of the Migrant Mother.
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[@SandorFule]

This video touches a complex topic, and does it intelligently. Serving well its purpose.

[@xanfus]

This comment does exactly the same. Well said, sir!

[@jamiewindsor]

Thank you.

[@AnaGarcia-mf3oj]

Completely agree

[@MichaelSavidgeStoryteller]

I have been very wary of portrait photography, but could never understand why. This video made me realize what I am afraid of: telling the wrong story, portraying the subject in a way that is not honest about who the subject is and who I am as a creator. I honestly did not know the full story behind Lange's iconic photograph; after hearing the true story behind it and listening to your view on portrait photography, I'm starting to think that maybe I should focus on portraits more than I have in the past. So sorry for the long-winded comment, thank you for making this video!

[@seanbirtwistle649]

truth, which is different from fact, has many layers. with all art, the more layers condensed into a single work the better it is. its more approachable. but the first truth always belongs to the artist, with the rest layered upon it. if your'e looking for honesty from a portrait you need to connect with the subject. making those connections is the hardest part, and a reason ive found it inappropriate to take some peoples portraits

[@AllThingsFilm1]

You're missing the fact that you're not responsible for how people interpret your photos. Unless you verbally tell a story around your photography that isn't true, there's no reason why anyone would read anything into your photo unless you want them to through written or spoken words.

[@jamiewindsor]

VFX Todd I would argue that while you can’t control how everyone will interpret your photos, photography is a language and you can say quite clear things with it.

[@neillmathieson3861]

Portrait photography is a bit like the “Uncertainty Principle” and the “ Observer Effect” . You really can’t tell much about the position and only a little about the time, and as you said Jamie your feelings, prejudices, and beliefs all influence what you see.

[@t3cq59]

I actually think photography in general is "the observer effect". Unless you can completely and invisibly document life, you will influence the people in your shot. I too have thought about this. Cheers mate

[@TheFelixhawelka]

My quarantine just got an upgrade :) thx mate

[@fuhque4009]

Great point. I agree that it's complete bullcrap when people think a single photograph capture the "soul" of the subject.

[@yashwinning]

*THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU* I can't stand people who are adamant that a portrait *must* say/convey everything about a person's "soul", or feelings at that moment, or their environment. People who say that captions are for bad photographers annoy me to no end.

[@aytraf]

The questions no one is asking as of today. The vital questions, shaking the very root of the need of creation, its existence and its interpretation. Thank you for continually providing your insights and opinions, prodding us to halt and re-evaluate in the incessant pace of our lives. Thank you for letting our mundane be a little richer.

[@jezznausdembezirk]

I stopped this video at 1:05 while brushing my teeth because I decided this not video I want to watch on the side. I decided to give it my full attention! Jamie, your videos are so inspiring. Every time I watch a video of you I am stunned and pushed in the right direction how I think a bout photography. The way you visualize your thoughts is amazing. Thank you so much! - a german amateur photographer - now let's continue the video

[@fredabery3816]

Susan Sontag’s ‘Regarding the pain of others’ covers this topic really well, too, Jamie. Love your philosophical take on photography, BTW- a breath of fresh air amongst the “hey wassup!” community. Cheers!

[@jameswburke]

Hi Fred - I found her series of esays on photography here: www.lab404.com/3741/readings/sontag.pdf

[@stuartwatson745]

Thought provoking as always. I’d really enjoy seeing you in discussion with other photographers on some of the topics you cover. Although i really enjoy your insights and wouldn’t want to lose that aspect of your vids. Thanks Jamie 👍

[@chrispatmore8944]

There's a saying, "Why let truth get in the way of a good story". Or image in the case of photography. Your graphic design training certainly makes your videos stand out from the pack. Great job.

[@RodrigoButta]

Nice approach!! And flawlesly produced (transitions and all)

[@rustyjames6971]

if the only good thing in my day is watching a vid like this, it is a day worth living.

[@ObservationMovies]

Thank you, Jamie, for still being here during this time of turmoil.It's comforting. I'll take a peek at your presets.

[@mubiedits]

Was literally just read Sally Mann’s memoir with the opening quote “The steady eyes of the crow and the cameras candid eye See as honestly as they know, but they lie”- W.H Auden. Love the points you made in your video and definitely gives me a lot to think about. Keep it up👍

[@pvandck]

Without doubt some of the most intelligent, thoughtful photography videos on KZbin. Many thanks, Sir.

[@elmelmon]

To me a portrait tells a story I want to tell, an emotion I want to convey or a specific point in time, sometimes all three!

[@smalltalk.productions9977]

Such a wonderfully nuanced topic. So many others discuss the tech behind a nice portrait. And I very much enjoy those insights. But I REALLY enjoyed this vid’s POV and how it engaged me in questioning my own work. As always, thank you for the effort and the sharing. I am an appreciative subscriber. Thumbs up.

[@kilobitti]

I was just drinking my morning coffee, scrolling through my youtube recommendations. Realizing, that most of these are 3 minute videos which aim to hook and provoke me to click on the next one without having learnt anything. That’s when I remembered this channel, and was not dissappointed. I wish there were more channels like Jamie Windsor’s. Thank you!

[@pgrieger]

Don't leave comments as I don't know much. I love following you and the approach towards photography that I want to learn about. I might never learn enough and I thank you for sharing

[@emmax9957]

Thank you for this thought provoking video Jamie! I really liked how you incorporated and extended Butler's theory on performance, it definitely offers a new perspective on (portrait) photogtaphy👏

[@shamcarz]

I wish you created videos more frequently, because we all love it. SO much food for thought. Thank you!

[@jamiewindsor]

I am working full-time on creating these KZbin videos. They just take about a month each to put together. I’m glad you appreciate them though.

[@DiogoGandra]

I really love these videos Jamie! Everyone who is a photographer or aspires to be one should really see your videos. It's extremely necessary to get away from the technical part of photography and focus on what's important, especially these days when people are just focusing on gear, gear and gear... We are lucky we can watch this for free. Cheers man!

[@TheEdiblefingers]

Its so rare to find something on youtube I enjoy that makes me think

[@tomsharman]

Your videos are so well made, editing always spot on too. You can tell you're a fellow perfectionist as well Jamie!

[@jamiewindsor]

Thank you. I sometimes wish I cared less about all the details. I’d get more sleep. But I’m glad my efforts are appreciated. It makes it worth it.

[@michaelcarrithers6811]

Thanks for that. A further point: it is not just the sitter's or the photographer's, but also the viewers' performance. And I don't mean the performance of viewing alone, but also the selecting, featuring, publishing, etc. So it was also Roy Stryker at the Farm Security Administration, and then the newspaper and magazine editors / staff, who also created -- or co-created? -- Migrant Mother. Of course we'd want to say, too, that the experienced sensibility of the photographer was a conduit, so to speak, between the scene, the photographing, the editing of the photo, and its eventual use and reception. And if we looked for a source of Lange's sensibility in her experience, it was not just her originally looking out the window of her flat in San Francisco, but also her actually *seeing* the manifest results of the Great Depression on the street. Plenty of people could look out that window, but they could still miss what is going on.

[@maxtized5422]

Thanks for the video. It is important to have a channel that is not only about the technical side of photography but also touches question about art and society

[@7n8th]

A true artist my friend that's what's you are . I totally adore how often you use the word ethics because art it must be all about ethics . You have a very intelligent way of explaining your point and you are such an inspiration. By far the only photography channel needed out there. Keep it up and be safe you and your lovely family.

[@mitchtillison]

Well done. I wrote a paper on the photographers of the Farm Security Administration and this photo was one I included in my exposition but did not uncover the back story you provided. That in itself was fascinating and so was your overall point. Thank you for sharing and provoking.

[@pollypowell415]

Hi Jamie from across the pond...self isolating...hoping that you and yours are well! This video gave me chills. Your insights are incredibly grounding and on point. Truly amazing how much I learn from you...not only about photography, history, art, culture, and LIFE. Another reason this video is a groudbreaker for me is as follows. Someone here in America has already done this but, gonna start taking the "New Normal" portraits in my neighborhood here in Johnson City, TN. AND...gonna pull the trigger on the presets today. Truly amazing what an influence you have on folks. Carry on and keep you, your loved ones the Queen healthy.

[@cfigcv]

This channel is Therapy through photography, mixed with tips and tricks. Thank you, Jamie, I think you are a really great academic

[@jamiewindsor]

Thank you. I’m happy you get something out of my videos.

[@rightsbasedsocialpolicy5086]

I will remember this video when I next go out with my camera to take images of people - thanks for your thoughtful perspective.

[@ivanrotondo844]

I think a portrait is a portrait, you don't need words to explain it: it is for people to feel it.

[@mikemakesmusic]

I absolutely LOVE your philosophical approach to image making. Your videos AND your images are a great treat. Thank you!

[@paulashcroft556]

Very articulate and thoughful Jamie. Plenty to think about. Much appreciated.

[@chrissyj7634]

This video is the reason I'll be subscribing to your channel. You are a deeply completed, well -researched person. I look forward to more of your work.

[@gustavhegandersen5720]

I think it is an important discussion and important questions you pose, but as you say it is a complex conversation. Portrait photography is opposites combined in one entity: Manipulation and truth. A photographer can control the focus of the audience as your example portrays, but a photo can also be a window into realities where the photographer is steered by the subject. It's a constant dialogue, and something we need to be critical of as viewers! :D

[@stevendeary502]

Your infra red presets are a must have, love them!

[@cymbaline87]

Jamie almost every single video you make seems to be about things that I wonder constantly, and they always serve as food for thought for the following days after I've watched them. There are lots of great gear oriented channels but only a few that focus on photography at it's core. I don't usually comment but I just wanted to say thank you for all your content.

[@avantgardetattooandartgall977]

One of the best video i've seen in months. As content and as graphic design

[@Ruylopez778]

Another good example of this is the Pulitzer photo by Kevin Carter. It was shot with a long lens which distorted the perspective. Still, people found something symbolic and heart-breaking in it.

[@TNrick]

One of the best videos on photography I have seen. An excellent examination of what is and isn't behind a portrait. Very well done!

[@52701970]

Jamie, you never fail to impress me with your insights..thank you.

[@DarrinHowells]

The NerdWriter of photography. Thanks Jamie.

[@rafaidrovofoto]

Excellent videos Jamie, keep doing your great job for photographers seeking further in concepts and image!

[@t3cq59]

Every video you put out raises the bar. You engage the viewer, make them question their view of things and do it in an engaging and visually appealing way. When are you and Sean Tucker gona have a KZbin baby?

[@curtiskupferschmid6102]

A Jamie Windsor video is exactly what I needed right now. Very thoughtful!

[@olumideakingbade982]

Fantastic. Your graphics are arguably the best I've seen on KZbin videos. Keep em coming !

[@colinjohnston3080]

Thanks Jamie. Another very thought provoking production.

[@AeromaticXD]

Your videos never cease to impress me and get me thinking... Whenever there’s a camera in my hands, I always have ethics at the back of my mind...

[@longliveavi]

Your videos are incredibly crafted. Please keep up the good work. Simple, to the point, hella entertaining and informative. Thank you.

[@MrCochise71]

Perfect timing with your wonderful video. On lockdown your video makes the day so much better. Stay safe and healthy bud. 💯👊

[@MasonBJones]

Your videos are always so well thought out and spoken! Please keep them coming!

[@CAMSMORE]

It's a pleasure each time you upload new content! Thanks for the great work, always intelligent and making us think twice about supposed regular things. Thanks a lot!

[@gregstevenson7401]

Yet more great content. Thanks Jamie - I genuinely appreciate all of your output.

[@JayJay-hg5vp]

Haven't seeing any of your videos in a while but honestly it's such food for the mind when I watch the m thanks for creating such unique material

[@ethanjohn7638]

Absolutely loved this one man, thanks a lot!

[@imseeno]

I love your videos! It really makes one think more about other aspects of photography that people don't usually think of immediately.

[@dominey]

Love how (again) you've matched the video's aspect ratio with the topic.

[@VoGusProspecting]

My KZbin viewing habits revolve around checking your channel each day to see if you've uploaded. Today was that day.

[@jamiewindsor]

Blimey. Sorry I only upload about once a month.

[@VoGusProspecting]

@@jamiewindsor I get it, your videos have a lot of very concise and well crafted content. That takes time to make. I'm lucky to push out one video a week and they are pretty cruddy compared to your stuff.

[@LoveChristJesus]

Thanks man! Great great content videos on your channel.I spend more than 2000 hours watching youtube content videos about photography...you just opened my mind in many ways.Thanks !

[@enriquer.aguilar8491]

This content is pure Gold. I really appreciate what you're doing. Thanks for not digging into photography gear!

[@karl6525]

Just discovered your channel this morning. I'm finally getting sincerely into photography (35 mm on my dads old Pentax sp1000, shooting in B/W as it is the economically more viable and color film is generally fairly tough to come by at this time but I am enjoying B/W immensely) and the perspectives and advice you provide are priceless (and, as it turns out, FREE!). *this is entirely subjective but I also very much enjoy your voice and composure. Anyways, thanks

[@petera1033]

Thanks Jamie - wonderful deconstruction

[@iaingeoghan2548]

AHHH! Thank you for that. i have had trouble explaining this to others who are not photographers. Excellent film Jamie :-)

[@victorcarmelo8606]

Excellent loved this one as i also love photographic history, thanks.

[@NacimZahouani]

Good point ! I like your approche , it triggers questions . Thank you from Singapore, stay safe

[@bobtaylor8746]

Excellent and thought provoking as usual. Thanks for your insights!

[@thomairs]

I love this. I also love that it's provocatively under the 10-minute KZbin 'golden length' threshold.

[@markdavidson520]

Jamie’s back! Love these videos

[@HannesTschofenig]

Great video. Great reminder to think about pictures a bit more...

[@user-hd4wf5gq8r]

Ah, I’ve been focusing on music recently so it’s been a while since I’ve picked up my camera. Nice to see a photography video again! Might try an take some pictures today.

[@pagethreemodel]

Where? We can't go outside 😂😂

[@bencushwa8902]

For me, the truth in any photograph, particularly portraits, is the feeling it inspires in the viewer, not what was objectively in front of the photographer's lens when they pressed the shutter release.

[@AndyDay]

More gold. Thank you sir.

[@isahjade1903]

Philosophy and photography - really my cup of tea ❤️ you earned a new subscriber bro

[@BehindThePhoto]

Great insight as always! Thank you for sharing! Cheers, Benjamin

[@julianray]

Jamie, thank you once again for bringing insight and perspective to a complex subject. Your videos are always a breath of fresh air. Thanks!

[@jamiewindsor]

Thank you

[@heinzhagenbucher4714]

Very interesting, and well said. Thank you Jamie

[@steventhomas231]

Beautifully reasoned as always.

[@vhtsouza]

it is a privilege to watch your videos. I never miss any of them

[@ruizisaac7395]

love your videos! thanks so much!

[@stevieklaer9347]

The aspect ratio is exactly the same as my iPad and it’s very satisfying to watch in full screen.

[@jamiewindsor]

That was part of the idea. I do love 4x3.

[@christinacooperfilm]

I enjoy your videos so much! Thank you! 🙏🏼

[@TheSionThomas]

Great video Jamie. Thank you 👍

[@barrieanthony952]

I'm sure there was an experiment (prob on channel 4) were they asked a group of photographers to photograph the same person. However, for each photographer they gave the person a different back story and asked them to capture something about the person. Individually viewed the images seemed to do this, but when put together, there was little difference in how any story was seem from the images

[@rodakaskas]

Great video. Thanks! Also, I love the music score you used.

[@rickbiessman6084]

Really interesting thoughts. Thank you Jamie!

[@Dark_Viking]

This is really great video! Thanks for you work!

[@brettwood737]

Nice take on the subject of portraits. It's got me thinking

[@barmaley1982]

Wow! This is an excellent video, nailed it! Thanks for inspiring me!

[@arunashamal]

It is pretty simple really! Photography is art, therefore everything IS permitted, even lying.

[@bokehstreet1769]

Nice work Jamie.. Loving the presets, thanks so much.

[@FoyersPhotography]

thanks Jamie, another great video!

[@andrewfrost8866]

Very thought provoking Jamie.

[@rob9386]

This video was so well thoughtout and it was extremely interesting 👍

[@petersolomon5227]

Stunning work.

[@andrewlunn]

Another interesting video and fantastic research and to convey your message. Great work Jamie

[@rick-deckard]

Once again, thank you!

[@archerbradshaw8057]

Absolutely brilliant video - poses really interesting questions and perspectives!!

[@jamiljafri4841]

Another brilliant photo essay Jamie 👍