Benchmark of portraiture – Martin Schembri

06/07/07

Decorated Australian wedding and portrait photographer Martin Schembri uses the Mona Lisa as his benchmark of portraiture, “…it is the essence of the person captured in a single expression.” While a portrait can be made classically or in a very informal style, Martin requires that the posing of all of his portraits be comfortable and natural (to the viewer) and that it not appear contrived. He offers this advice about making each portrait unique. “Ensure that your portraits are as individual as each person you photograph and never treat the exercise as one in which the technicalities rule.”
Fine portraiture is often seen as a story-telling device used to tell a tale of the human condition, using the portrait subject as the vehicle for a higher plane of communication. Even at its most basic level, the portrait is an ingenious story-telling device—whether it is the future of endless possibilities seen in a child’s innocent gaze or the hands and eyes of hard working tradesman. The portrait is completely literal and yet it invites the imagination to probe and find deeper understanding and meaning. A defined portrait simply capsulates the emotion and inner essence that will be treasured forever.
www.martinschembri.com.au

The SWPP 2008 Convention was an outstanding success,
we have 192 days to get ready for the 2009 convention - which starts on January 14, 2009