Portraiture is the art of creating images that represent a specific person or group, capturing not only their physical appearance but also their personality. Portraiture is intentionally focused on the subject, seeking to show something truthful about their identity through careful consideration of lighting, composition, expression, and environment. Portraiture serves as both documentation and interpretation, preserving a moment in time, along with the emotion exhibited by the subject.

At its core, a portrait serves as a bridge between the photographer’s vision and the viewer’s understanding of the subject. It can be literal, showing someone’s physical appearance, or conceptual, expressing their inner world, emotions, or the photographer’s perspective on identity and humanity.