Monday, February 11, 2008

now, look at the camera....



or not


In portrait photography, should the subject gaze into the camera (towards the photographer)? I don't think there is a right or wrong answer; I do believe that the choice can be used to direct the interaction between the viewer and the subject. If the gaze is direct, is it more engaging? If the gaze is indirect, does the viewer's eye travel throughout the photograph, rather than being held at the eyes? Do straight-on portraits seem more or less formal? In my opinion, a direct stare is less formal... almost a (dare I say?) snapshot... the eye-to-eye contact putting the subject and the viewer on an even, personal level. Think about it - do you feel as if you 'know' someone if you have looked into their eyes?

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