“Sensitive people faced with the prospect of a camera portrait put on a
face they think is one they would like to show the world. …Very often
what lies behind the facade is rare and more wonderful than the subject
knows or dares to believe.” —Irving Penn, 1975.

This first image was taken by David Clevenger shooting with me this past weekend.  It is a total grab shot.  The back story.  The dad was in Iraq and thinking he probably would not make his son’s wedding.  This was right after a very emotional toast to the bride and groom telling his son how proud of him he was.  Both faces tell a story of love, respect for each other, and a long history between them.   It isn’t about being posed, perfect lighting, beautiful background.  The facade of both men is down, and the heart is visible.  It’s a keeper for me, and I believe for Andrew as well……for many years to come!

I will look for and add more to this post.   It is these moments that makes me fall in love with photography over and over.

Note to everyone…….. by using the Irving Penn quote I am not implying I am in his category of photographer but instead expressing my admiration for his incredible work.  It inspires me a great deal!

Same wedding…..looking behind the public face we all wear…….

Remember the well known bulldogs playing poker images?  This area at the reception reminded me of it.  It was winding down at the reception, and a few made their way into the bar.  The groom is playing pool, and friends and family are playing and watching.  They could care less about the camera.  Most were vaguely aware I was around somewhere.  Would you sit like the man in the foreground if I asked to take your photo?  No. You would have straightened up, smiled, and maybe even insisted on putting back on your shirt. The groom is relaxed in the background intent on the shooter.

I love this grab.  Between me and the pool table group this was going on.   A total two alone moment. They were in their own world.  Not many adults would let me photograph them coloring.  They would tell me they felt stupid doing this, but isn’t it something most of us have done at one time or the other?

And right behind me the bride was having her first shot of the evening with her maid of honor and a guest.  Again, I got to look behind the facade.

All of these are candid shots looking behind the facade.  Penn had a way of doing this in posed portraits. If you search for Irving Penn on the Internet you can find examples of his portrait work that the images are so honest of a capture it hurts almost.   The person is so exposed, vulnerable, and aware they are letting it all hang out.  As a photographer it is where I strive to go with every single person before the camera.  Some let me see behind the facade while others keep the door tightly closed.  As a photographer it becomes my job to search for keys that gain entrance.