Photography Articles & Tips
Portraiture: the Pleasure of Knowing People
By Len Bernstein
And that is just what I asked this man who affected me very much as he spoke about how difficult it was to earn a living, and that he wanted people to see he was proud of doing honest work. In this picture I think his upward gaze has that quality of pride and, while he himself is blind, he seems to be looking at something quite beautiful. The seeing-eye dog, faithful and enduring, is contained within the outline of his form and this heightens the feeling they are so much of each other's lives.
I learned from Aesthetic Realism that men and women have essentially the same questions, trying to put the same opposites together in our own unique way. In this photograph we see a young woman whose expression is thoughtful and penetrating; welcoming, with a touch of suspicion. Does this sound like anyone you know? (everyone, ladies and gentlemen alike, should be raising their hands at this point!) And even the pussycat is gentle and sharp as it vigorously nibbles the hand cradling it. Like others, I often felt my individuality depended on separating myself, and I think this photograph criticizes that feeling.
The child stands out sharply against a vague, complex background. Yet, he is nestled by his surroundings: a white flower curves toward him on the right, and the bright geometry of counter-tops touches him at various points. His expression is strong and trusting, and he does not seem at odds with his environment, which includes books and people--rather, his relation to it makes for a sense of largeness, emphasizes what we see as the boy's strength of character.
