One of our member's, John, challenged our thinking about What Makes a Good Portrait? John showed a range of images - both from his collection and from others - to illustrate his discussion. This initiated an animated audience response! Of course a portrait can be taken in so many diverse ways from artistic to documentary, in the studio or the sitter's environment whatever that might be, in planned lighting or in natural light, in colour or monotone and so on. Capturing the essence of the person and telling a story must surely be the goal, illustrating emotion and personality the challenge. We will be testing ourselves by a practical portraiture session later this term!
© John Haines 2019
© John Haines 2019
After our break, Ruth gave us all a treat with lots of images from her several travels entitled Barbs and Camargue. Her practised eye has caught both light- and dark-coloured horses in both natural and built environments. She showed their speed in different ways, their animated interactions and even portraiture. Ruth has used post-processing to give a more artistic interpretation and always sought to find non-intrusive backgrounds and different angles. She has certainly found her oeuvre!
© Ruth Baldwin 2019
© Ruth Baldwin 2019
Next meeting: David Boag on Photographing Nature more Creatively