A quote I recently found from Max Gerber really hit home for me. He was describing what he loves most about portrait photography. It pretty much sums up how I feel about it as well.
"The thing I love most about portrait photography
is its capacity - at times, when you're lucky - for
unparalleled empathy. The trick is finding more
dignity in your subject than they knew they had
themselves."
Along with dignity, I would add emotion, character and grace. All of these can make a great portrait. Adding none of these and the image falls flat.
Of course I like adding a touch of humor as well. Especially when pairing images. Here are some examples put together by Rhoni Epstein and Susan Baraz of Phototherapists for my new portfolio.
