the historical significance for this stems from portrait photography, when the artists commissioned by the the nobility for their portrait understood the need to portray their subjects in the most flattering way. the pathetic upshot of this was the centerfolds of playboy magazines. usually shot with a 5x4 or 8x10 view camera and then "sprayed" to eliminate any wrinkle or flaw in the skin. we used to, as a laugh, try and find a skin pore in the subject photographed.

i am a firm believer in photographing my subjects as they are. all human beings are different, as reflected in their faces, based on their life experiences. i have no time for "glamour" or "soft core porn". this is fantasy photography and degrades the human subject.

Why all the disparaging remarks and bad feelings? My goodness- so much unnecessary ill feelings about different approaches and photographic styles.

Come on folks- some photographers are documentarians while others are impressionists and perhaps some are fantasists. Some portraits are authentic studies while others are idealizations. Some writers record history, others are journalists, perhaps some are technical or scientific writers and some write fiction. Does this mean that the writers of fiction are dishonest- are they liars who distort the truth- I don't think so.

Is there some kind of unwritten law or ethic that obligates everyone who picks up a camera must photograph everything and everybody in exact and precise authenticity. If photography is an art and/or a means of self expression, is everyone not entitled to express their individual visions or interpretation of their subjects. Do we all have to make the very same statements about the same things?

When folks come to a professional portrait photographer, are they not entitled to choose a photographer whose style they admire. Are they not entitled to an artistic interpretation to their liking. Some clients don't mind seeing every pore on the face and others want "plastic surgery"- or usually something in between like a reasonable flattering likeness.

I have been involved in professional portraiture for over 50 years. On a daily basis I am dealing with lots of human psychological and emotional issues. Sometimes it' s ego, vanity, self image and self confidence, love, romance, one's business or corporate public image and more. Sometimes older folks come in for their "last portrait" and they want to be portrayed as the would like to be remembered. A good portrait photographer is compassionate toward his subjects and is sensitive to their needs.

The combat between the Pictorials and the Impressionists is old news. Too much tribalism, cultism and hostility for me. It's 2016 gang. Enjoy what you do in photography and try to understand what others are up to. It's better for you blood pressure! Some of y'all should try something you don't usually do- it's fun!

Why all the disparaging remarks and bad feelings? My goodness- so much unnecessary ill feelings about different approaches and photographic styles.

Come on folks- some photographers are documentarians while others are impressionists and perhaps some are fantasists. Some portraits are authentic studies while others are idealizations. Some writers record history, others are journalists, perhaps some are technical or scientific writers and some write fiction. Does this mean that the writers of fiction are dishonest- are they liars who distort the truth- I don't think so.

Is there some kind of unwritten law or ethic that obligates everyone who picks up a camera must photograph everything and everybody in exact and precise authenticity. If photography is an art and/or a means of self expression, is everyone not entitled to express their individual visions or interpretation of their subjects. Do we all have to make the very same statements about the same things?

When folks come to a professional portrait photographer, are they not entitled to choose a photographer whose style they admire. Are they not entitled to an artistic interpretation to their liking. Some clients don't mind seeing every pore on the face and others want "plastic surgery"- or usually something in between like a reasonable flattering likeness.

I have been involved in professional portraiture for over 50 years. On a daily basis I am dealing with lots of human psychological and emotional issues. Sometimes it' s ego, vanity, self image and self confidence, love, romance, one's business or corporate public image and more. Sometimes older folks come in for their "last portrait" and they want to be portrayed as the would like to be remembered. A good portrait photographer is compassionate toward his subjects and is sensitive to their needs.

The combat between the Pictorials and the Impressionists is old news. Too much tribalism, cultism and hostility for me. It's 2016 gang. Enjoy what you do in photography and try to understand what others are up to. It's better for you blood pressure! Some of y'all should try something you don't usually do- it's fun!

@Jaakil and others that are interested.

I certainly understand your point of view and appreciate your responding to my posts. This is what FORUMS are all about- some agreement and some differences of opinion- it's all good. I try not to “rant” but rather try to express my opinions and stimulate conversation.

The average kind of “mass produced” senior portraits are not necessarily indicative of fine customized portraiture right across the board. I don't know if many of the photographers doing this kind of work are necessarily “lazy” but many of them are running or working for high volume operations, photographing many kids at multiple schools and graduating classes and tend to produce a very constant but “cookie cutter” kind of work. They are more concerned about production costs and uniformity than the nuances of aesthetics or authenticity. They try to maintain “head sizes” to fit into year book templates, conform to specifications of automatic package printing (lab) services, and as you alluded to, just soften the life out of every image to avoid precise editing or retouching. Many of theses “studios” do not even vary poses and lightning to accommodate different facial structures and body types. Some school boards contract a “senior mill” operation, sometimes directly connected to the yearbook printer/ manufacturer and the kids have no choice if the want their picture to appear in the yearbook. Some smaller, or private schools may enlist the services of a quality oriented local photographer where the grads can secure a much more individualized kind of session and a high quality portrait product. In my city, some of the seniors would go to the contracted photographer for purposes of the year book and then go to their own choice of photographer for a comprehensive and masterful session and subsequently have some high quality portraits made.

Personally, I never assume the my potential clients are not savvy buyers, smart consumers or folks who simply can't or won't appreciate the differences between fine portraiture and hack. Further to that, I try to educate folks when ever I can. I assume that when people, including myself, go to other professionals, tradesmen, crafts persons or contractors, they expect to receive honest expert advice and be steered in the right direction. Besides, nowadays young and older people alike are exposed to so much incredibly good imagery- it's everywhere, in fashion magazines, online, in the movies, on TV, on packaging and every kind of advertising media. When some of the seniors come in and tell me that some of my portraits look like magazine cover or fashion articles or stuff the have seen in sports publications- they are impressed. Theses kids have eyes in the heads and many of them recognize good stuff when they see it.

I do a pre-sitting consultation with every one of my clients and find out exactly what they like, what the expect and I explain how we are going to do to make certain they get exactly what they require or desire. We fully guarantee customer satisfaction as to the quality, aesthetics and craftsmanship in all of their portraits to the extent of return of their money or a complete re-sitting. Again, we want to make sure each and every client is 100% satisfied with our results.

Of course, not every session and every customer are the same- there are many different approaches that I need to take. Some clients consider me as an artist and allow me to create an artistic interpretation for them as per my own concepts- so I get to do whatever I want! Others come in with specific preconceived ideas or special requirements- this is oftentimes the case in business, military, members of law enforcement agencies, theatrical, political, assignments or portraits of musicians, entertainers or actors. In some of those cases I am more of a “hired gun”. I still try to apply as much artistry and technique as I can but I have to conform to a certain layout or concept. Most of the time theses specialized sittings become a combination of both approaches- a meeting of the minds.

As far as my philosophy regarding aesthetics and authenticity are concerned, I believe that a successful portrait must be a true likeness of the subject, make a statement and in most cases be flattering- showing that subject in their very best light. So...you might ask, where do I draw the line between journalistic accuracy and a overly softened, retouched or artificial imagery. Simply stated, we don't produce hacked out , mass produced, artificial imagery. On the more sophisticated side, I have a little saying that I include in my advertising: “We photograph people as they were, as they are, as they like like be represented and as the want to be remembered. With that school of thought in mind, I have found that most folks don't object characteristic lines on there face, certain conditions that are indicative of their age, gender, lifestyle or station in life. Most people do not want to see or be portrayed for posterity with any blemishes or disfigurement that are symptomatic of illness, dermatological conditions such as acne or rashes, signs of fatigue or premature aging, significant facial asymmetries or anything that the may be semiconscious or sensitive about. Rendition of the eyes as to sparkle, detail, color saturation, alignment, symmetry, direction, gaze are also very important in aesthetic treatment.

I do not stereotype woman! Not every young or older lady wants to look soft and cuddly in their portraits. Not all of the ladies are vain, however, most want to appear attractive, pretty, well groomed or handsome but also dynamic and professional. Believe it or not, some of the male executives are more vein or egocentric than most the girls. Most business executives, made and female no longer wish to appear austere or too serious. The latest PR look is business like but approachable! Nothing wrong with a welcoming smile!

Many of theses aforementioned issues should be addressed in photography- at the time of the session- at the camera. Camera position, pose, lightning, diffusion (in some cases) and relaxed and effective communication with the subjects will all factor in to the production of natural and flattering portraiture. Excessive retouching, trying to reshape faces or bodies in post processing is usually where fakery becomes apparent and distracting.

I hope this explains my position on the matter. Kindest regards.

PS. Please join us in our new section, here on the HOG. It's called Professional and Advanced Portraiture. We like theses kinds of discussions and everyone's images an points of view are invited and respected. Y'all will be welcomed participators.

@Jaakil and others that are interested.

I certainly understand your point of view and appreciate your responding to my posts. This is what FORUMS are all about- some agreement and some differences of opinion- it's all good. I try not to “rant” but rather try to express my opinions and stimulate conversation.

The average kind of “mass produced” senior portraits are not necessarily indicative of fine customized portraiture right across the board. I don't know if many of the photographers doing this kind of work are necessarily “lazy” but many of them are running or working for high volume operations, photographing many kids at multiple schools and graduating classes and tend to produce a very constant but “cookie cutter” kind of work. They are more concerned about production costs and uniformity than the nuances of aesthetics or authenticity. They try to maintain “head sizes” to fit into year book templates, conform to specifications of automatic package printing (lab) services, and as you alluded to, just soften the life out of every image to avoid precise editing or retouching. Many of theses “studios” do not even vary poses and lightning to accommodate different facial structures and body types. Some school boards contract a “senior mill” operation, sometimes directly connected to the yearbook printer/ manufacturer and the kids have no choice if the want their picture to appear in the yearbook. Some smaller, or private schools may enlist the services of a quality oriented local photographer where the grads can secure a much more individualized kind of session and a high quality portrait product. In my city, some of the seniors would go to the contracted photographer for purposes of the year book and then go to their own choice of photographer for a comprehensive and masterful session and subsequently have some high quality portraits made.

Personally, I never assume the my potential clients are not savvy buyers, smart consumers or folks who simply can't or won't appreciate the differences between fine portraiture and hack. Further to that, I try to educate folks when ever I can. I assume that when people, including myself, go to other professionals, tradesmen, crafts persons or contractors, they expect to receive honest expert advice and be steered in the right direction. Besides, nowadays young and older people alike are exposed to so much incredibly good imagery- it's everywhere, in fashion magazines, online, in the movies, on TV, on packaging and every kind of advertising media. When some of the seniors come in and tell me that some of my portraits look like magazine cover or fashion articles or stuff the have seen in sports publications- they are impressed. Theses kids have eyes in the heads and many of them recognize good stuff when they see it.

I do a pre-sitting consultation with every one of my clients and find out exactly what they like, what the expect and I explain how we are going to do to make certain they get exactly what they require or desire. We fully guarantee customer satisfaction as to the quality, aesthetics and craftsmanship in all of their portraits to the extent of return of their money or a complete re-sitting. Again, we want to make sure each and every client is 100% satisfied with our results.

Of course, not every session and every customer are the same- there are many different approaches that I need to take. Some clients consider me as an artist and allow me to create an artistic interpretation for them as per my own concepts- so I get to do whatever I want! Others come in with specific preconceived ideas or special requirements- this is oftentimes the case in business, military, members of law enforcement agencies, theatrical, political, assignments or portraits of musicians, entertainers or actors. In some of those cases I am more of a “hired gun”. I still try to apply as much artistry and technique as I can but I have to conform to a certain layout or concept. Most of the time theses specialized sittings become a combination of both approaches- a meeting of the minds.

As far as my philosophy regarding aesthetics and authenticity are concerned, I believe that a successful portrait must be a true likeness of the subject, make a statement and in most cases be flattering- showing that subject in their very best light. So...you might ask, where do I draw the line between journalistic accuracy and a overly softened, retouched or artificial imagery. Simply stated, we don't produce hacked out , mass produced, artificial imagery. On the more sophisticated side, I have a little saying that I include in my advertising: “We photograph people as they were, as they are, as they like like be represented and as the want to be remembered. With that school of thought in mind, I have found that most folks don't object characteristic lines on there face, certain conditions that are indicative of their age, gender, lifestyle or station in life. Most people do not want to see or be portrayed for posterity with any blemishes or disfigurement that are symptomatic of illness, dermatological conditions such as acne or rashes, signs of fatigue or premature aging, significant facial asymmetries or anything that the may be semiconscious or sensitive about. Rendition of the eyes as to sparkle, detail, color saturation, alignment, symmetry, direction, gaze are also very important in aesthetic treatment.

I do not stereotype woman! Not every young or older lady wants to look soft and cuddly in their portraits. Not all of the ladies are vain, however, most want to appear attractive, pretty, well groomed or handsome but also dynamic and professional. Believe it or not, some of the male executives are more vein or egocentric than most the girls. Most business executives, made and female no longer wish to appear austere or too serious. The latest PR look is business like but approachable! Nothing wrong with a welcoming smile!

Many of theses aforementioned issues should be addressed in photography- at the time of the session- at the camera. Camera position, pose, lightning, diffusion (in some cases) and relaxed and effective communication with the subjects will all factor in to the production of natural and flattering portraiture. Excessive retouching, trying to reshape faces or bodies in post processing is usually where fakery becomes apparent and distracting.

I hope this explains my position on the matter. Kindest regards.

PS. Please join us in our new section, here on the HOG. It's called Professional and Advanced Portraiture. We like theses kinds of discussions and everyone's images an points of view are invited and respected. Y'all will be welcomed participators.

@Jaakil and others that are interested.

I certainly understand your point of view and appreciate your responding to my posts. This is what FORUMS are all about- some agreement and some differences of opinion- it's all good. I try not to “rant” but rather try to express my opinions and stimulate conversation.

The average kind of “mass produced” senior portraits are not necessarily indicative of fine customized portraiture right across the board. I don't know if many of the photographers doing this kind of work are necessarily “lazy” but many of them are running or working for high volume operations, photographing many kids at multiple schools and graduating classes and tend to produce a very constant but “cookie cutter” kind of work. They are more concerned about production costs and uniformity than the nuances of aesthetics or authenticity. They try to maintain “head sizes” to fit into year book templates, conform to specifications of automatic package printing (lab) services, and as you alluded to, just soften the life out of every image to avoid precise editing or retouching. Many of theses “studios” do not even vary poses and lightning to accommodate different facial structures and body types. Some school boards contract a “senior mill” operation, sometimes directly connected to the yearbook printer/ manufacturer and the kids have no choice if the want their picture to appear in the yearbook. Some smaller, or private schools may enlist the services of a quality oriented local photographer where the grads can secure a much more individualized kind of session and a high quality portrait product. In my city, some of the seniors would go to the contracted photographer for purposes of the year book and then go to their own choice of photographer for a comprehensive and masterful session and subsequently have some high quality portraits made.

Personally, I never assume the my potential clients are not savvy buyers, smart consumers or folks who simply can't or won't appreciate the differences between fine portraiture and hack. Further to that, I try to educate folks when ever I can. I assume that when people, including myself, go to other professionals, tradesmen, crafts persons or contractors, they expect to receive honest expert advice and be steered in the right direction. Besides, nowadays young and older people alike are exposed to so much incredibly good imagery- it's everywhere, in fashion magazines, online, in the movies, on TV, on packaging and every kind of advertising media. When some of the seniors come in and tell me that some of my portraits look like magazine cover or fashion articles or stuff the have seen in sports publications- they are impressed. Theses kids have eyes in the heads and many of them recognize good stuff when they see it.

I do a pre-sitting consultation with every one of my clients and find out exactly what they like, what the expect and I explain how we are going to do to make certain they get exactly what they require or desire. We fully guarantee customer satisfaction as to the quality, aesthetics and craftsmanship in all of their portraits to the extent of return of their money or a complete re-sitting. Again, we want to make sure each and every client is 100% satisfied with our results.

Of course, not every session and every customer are the same- there are many different approaches that I need to take. Some clients consider me as an artist and allow me to create an artistic interpretation for them as per my own concepts- so I get to do whatever I want! Others come in with specific preconceived ideas or special requirements- this is oftentimes the case in business, military, members of law enforcement agencies, theatrical, political, assignments or portraits of musicians, entertainers or actors. In some of those cases I am more of a “hired gun”. I still try to apply as much artistry and technique as I can but I have to conform to a certain layout or concept. Most of the time theses specialized sittings become a combination of both approaches- a meeting of the minds.

As far as my philosophy regarding aesthetics and authenticity are concerned, I believe that a successful portrait must be a true likeness of the subject, make a statement and in most cases be flattering- showing that subject in their very best light. So...you might ask, where do I draw the line between journalistic accuracy and a overly softened, retouched or artificial imagery. Simply stated, we don't produce hacked out , mass produced, artificial imagery. On the more sophisticated side, I have a little saying that I include in my advertising: “We photograph people as they were, as they are, as they like like be represented and as the want to be remembered. With that school of thought in mind, I have found that most folks don't object characteristic lines on there face, certain conditions that are indicative of their age, gender, lifestyle or station in life. Most people do not want to see or be portrayed for posterity with any blemishes or disfigurement that are symptomatic of illness, dermatological conditions such as acne or rashes, signs of fatigue or premature aging, significant facial asymmetries or anything that the may be semiconscious or sensitive about. Rendition of the eyes as to sparkle, detail, color saturation, alignment, symmetry, direction, gaze are also very important in aesthetic treatment.

I do not stereotype woman! Not every young or older lady wants to look soft and cuddly in their portraits. Not all of the ladies are vain, however, most want to appear attractive, pretty, well groomed or handsome but also dynamic and professional. Believe it or not, some of the male executives are more vein or egocentric than most the girls. Most business executives, made and female no longer wish to appear austere or too serious. The latest PR look is business like but approachable! Nothing wrong with a welcoming smile!

Many of theses aforementioned issues should be addressed in photography- at the time of the session- at the camera. Camera position, pose, lightning, diffusion (in some cases) and relaxed and effective communication with the subjects will all factor in to the production of natural and flattering portraiture. Excessive retouching, trying to reshape faces or bodies in post processing is usually where fakery becomes apparent and distracting.

I hope this explains my position on the matter. Kindest regards.

PS. Please join us in our new section, here on the HOG. It's called Professional and Advanced Portraiture. We like theses kinds of discussions and everyone's images an points of view are invited and respected. Y'all will be welcomed participators.