Portraiture

Portraiture in street photography is about courage. It is a risk for me, and for the person I’m photographing.  It can be scary to quickly approach and engage with a stranger, and before the spontaneity is gone. For the subject, there can be very real risks involved in being photographed- losing privacy, being exploited, putting themselves or their family at risk, or going against religious beliefs.

It takes courage to boldly express a strong sense of identity, authenticity or cultural pride, and this fascinates me. Street portraiture is so very rewarding because I can capture the essence of a person at a given moment “as is”, with no expectations or previous arrangements. 

These moments in life are fleeting and so, so precious.