The Importance of Portraits

In this modern age of smartphones and instagram its never been more obvious how much we all love photos and the process of taking photos. And there is one thing we take pictures of more than anything else and that is - each other. Portraits are something we all value. Whether they are quick snaps we take on our phones or something a little more professional, portraits capture a persons character and a moment in time we'll never see again. The Tate art gallery states that portraits 'have been used to show the power, importance, virtue, beauty, wealth, taste, learning or other qualities of the sitter'.

Sometimes when we capture someones portrait or have a portrait taken of ourselves its hard to see the importance or the reason behind the photo, and it is in those circumstance I would say it is important to think about how you will reflect on that image in 10, 20 or even 50 years time! Looking back at who you used to be or a loved one can be such a satisfying process. Next time you capture a moment on your phone or with a professional photographer, take time to think about how your image will last long in to the future and what it will mean to others.