Self Portrait and Portraits PART 1

"Framing is a technique where by you draw attention to one element of an image by framing it with another element of the image."

"The settings in which you make pictures of people are important because they add to the viewer's understanding of your subject. The room in which a person lives or works, their house, the city street they walk, the place in which they seek relaxation—whatever it is, the setting provides information about people and tells us something about their lives. Seek balance between subject and environment. Include enough of the setting to aid your image, but not so much that the subject is lost in it."

"Wherever you are with your camera, always be on the lookout for those moments when a person's character shines though. If you have a formal portrait session with someone, make some frames of him while he straightens his tie or while she brushes her hair before the formal sitting. Walk back to the car with her and shoot her on the street. If you are on a spring picnic with the family, look for that moment of bliss when your wife leans back, sated, to enjoy the caress of the warm sun. If you're on the street, look for the impatient expression on a pedestrian's face as he waits for the light to change. Always be on the lookout for the telling moment. Every person has a story, and every picture should tell part of that story."

I liked this photo because the environment around the man seemed to be an extension of his personality.
 
I liked this photo because the background adds on to the photo instead of distracting viewers.


I liked this photo because it seems slightly mysterious while also showing one defined emotion.

I liked this photo because even though you see the camera and can know it is a photo, it still seems like your standing right in front of him.

I liked this photo because the child is so relaxed and couldn't care less about the camera.

I liked this photo because it displays so much emotion.