A photographic portrait shows someone aware of being photographed.
When we hear the term portrait photography, one name immediately comes to mind: Steve McCurry. McCurry, known worldwide for his evocative and compelling portraits, transformed the genre by adding unprecedented depth and storytelling potential to his photos. His work has inspired many photographers, including myself, to explore the area of portraiture. The renowned “Afghan Girl,” with its captivating emerald eyes, is a timeless tribute to his creativity, demonstrating how a single shot can communicate a complete story and captivate viewers for years.
I notice everything : Turn your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow
I woke up like this: Keep your face always toward the sunshine-and shadows will fall behind you
Steve McCurry: A Beacon of Inspiration in Portrait Photography
I’ve always been interested in McCurry’s best places to shoot, and when I finally got to go to one of them, I understood why he loved them so much. As I walked the streets and talked to people in this amazing area, I could see how good he was at capturing people’s faces in all their natural, unaltered beauty.
My eyes will tell them : Simplicity is the glory of expression
Not depth of field : Who sees the human face correctly- the photographer the mirror or the painter
Portrait photography is fundamentally about eyes and expressions, which this excursion emphasised for me. The brilliant, natural light, along with the region’s rich cultural tapestry, created the ideal setting for breathtaking pictures.
Illuminated : Action indeed is the sole medium of expression of ethics
Portrait I never painted: Someone told me the smile on my face gets wider when I am in front of camera
Crafting Stories Through Portraiture
As I delved deeper, people with eyes conveying strength, joy, grief, or curiosity drew me in. The nuanced interplay of light and shadow on their faces revealed textures and subtleties that lent character to each shot. Inspired by McCurry’s philosophy of deeply relating with his subjects, I spent time interacting with the locals and gaining their trust before lifting my camera. This approach enabled me to capture genuine moments that were alive with emotion.
The images I made on this voyage are among the best portraits I’ve ever created. They capture not only the essence of the people, but also the spirit of the place, which has inspired so many artists before me. Each image exemplifies the beauty, simplicity, and complexity of human expressions, elements that McCurry so expertly captures in his work. I am thrilled to present these portraits, honoring the art form and celebrating the great artist who has influenced me and countless others to delve beyond the surface and into the soul of a subject.
Lovingly drawn : A man’s manners are a mirror in which he shows his portarit
Do it again: God has given you one face, and you make yourself another
Trying to smile : When you take a photograph of someone , you take a portrait of his/her soul
Copyrights: All the photos and text in this post are copyright of Albin Kurian, Kozhikode and Creative Hut Institute of Photography and Film. Their reproduction, full or part, is forbidden without the explicit approval of rightful owners.
