Choosing the perfect emotion or personality trait to portray the essence of your portrait subject.
The subject's personality serves as a rich source of inspiration when it comes to capturing emotions in portrait art, and is often the first port of call when deciding upon the mood you want your portrait to convey.
After all, portraits are a visual reminder of the person depicted so why wouldn’t you want not only their likeness, but also their unique essence as a person captured?
Different personality traits can be effectively conveyed through the careful selection of artistic elements and techniques.
Here’s a few examples of how different personality traits can be transformed into a visual work of art:
For a serious and stoic personality, the subject's facial expression could display a subtle intensity, with focused eyes and a composed posture. The use of shadows and subdued colors may further enhance the serious tone, creating a portrait that reflects the subject's thoughtful nature.
Conversely, a lively and sociable personality can be portrayed through vibrant colors and dynamic compositions. The subject's facial expression might exude warmth and approachability, with an approachable smile or engaging eye contact. Playful elements, such as gestural brushwork or a background hinting at social settings, can convey their energetic and outgoing nature.
In the case of a funny person, humor can be effectively conveyed through exaggerated facial expressions and gestures. The artist may capture a spontaneous moment of laughter, with a twinkle in the subject's eyes and a contagious smile. Caricature-like elements or whimsical details in the composition can further enhance the lighthearted and jovial atmosphere of the portrait.
However, as human beings, we are multidimensional, and contain multiple personality traits. So how should we choose which ones to focus on in a portrait?
We have 4 tricks up our sleeve we employ to help guide the selection process:
Select one dominant personality trait.
Select a combination personality trait.
Select a signature expression.
Select a trait or emotion that emerges naturally in the moment.
Select one dominant personality trait:
Expressing two contrasting emotions in a single artwork can be as challenging as experiencing both happiness and sadness simultaneously.
Just as it can be tough to feel both happy and sad in the same moment, capturing two contrasting emotions within one artwork presents a similar artistic dilemma.
As with any form of communication, the more things you try to say, the less likely anything will be heard. And a portrait is no different.
When a portrait tries to say too much, it becomes harder for the viewer to discern the intended message amidst the clutter.
(I mean, what does a simultaneously happy & sad face even look like?!).
That’s why focusing on a single personality trait can make for a powerful emotionally resonant portrait.
And when you pinpoint the personality trait that best represents the subject, it will appear as if they themselves have come to life animated upon the canvas!
When you have a close relationship with the subject being portrayed, or when the subject is yourself, it's understandable to feel a sense of overwhelm when determining the dominant personality traits to capture. After all, you intimately know the vast array of traits that make up their complex personality!
If you find yourself uncertain or struggling to decide on the dominant personality traits, it can be helpful to seek input from others. A simple question like, "How would you describe Sarah?" can yield valuable insights. Reach out to a few individuals, and you'll likely discover common answers that can guide your understanding of the subject's key traits.
Select a combination personality trait (and then distill it into a singular trait):
This isn’t about selecting a smorgasbord of different traits the subject possesses but more like a dominant trait with a bit of a disclaimer.
She’s fun*
(but only if she likes you)
If you were to ask a few people to describe the subject and they throw out some personality traits, then kind of stop and think on what they just said and backtrack a bit...well this is a sign selecting a combination personality trait to best represent the subject is the way to go.
It's worth recognizing that not everyone possesses exaggerated personality traits or constantly showcases their emotions in an overt manner, therefore some individuals may be a little harder to clearly define.
She’s caring*
(not in the touchy feely emotive way, actually she comes off a bit cold, but she’s always got your back when it truly matters)
She’s a chill introvert*
(but always seems to have bubbling up little moments of excitable joy popping out unexpectedly in amongst the conversation)
It’s also possible that if you were to ask for input from others about the individual that their answers could vary. However, there may be similar themes emerging that you may need to distill.
For instance, in this example mentioned before:
She’s caring*
(not in the touchy feely emotive way, actually she comes off a bit cold, but she’s always got your back when it truly matters)
You may have responses given such as:
“Yeah, I wouldn’t want to get on the wrong side of her”
“Like, it kind of seems like she doesn’t care, but you just have to get to know her”
“She seems to have some challenges when it comes to interacting with people, but she has high praise for her family who are flawless… according to her”
What you can now do to select an emotion or personality trait that will be conveyed in a portrait is to distill the responses into one nuanced description of a trait or emotion that no longer contains an opposing component.
It is possible to do so because when people initially describe the subject, they often tend to mention a more apparent trait that readily comes to mind, and then end up making a slight backtrack because the trait that immediately came to mind didn’t quite fit. However, there often exists a more nuanced definition out there to be discovered that would be a better fit; albeit one that’s less obvious and needs to be a bit more thoroughly thought through.
In the example above you may now have:
“Mama bear” or “Staunchly Protective”
Here's the thing about choosing a combined trait for a portrait subject: it's not about merging multiple traits together within the artwork itself. It's about uncovering the interplay between seemingly unrelated characteristics. It's like unraveling a complex puzzle and distilling it into a singular nuanced emotion or personality trait. Once this essence is captured, it becomes the driving force that shapes the creative path of the entire portrait.
Select a signature expression:
Just how we all have unique facial features, we also have unique facial mannerisms and ways of moving.
And capturing such a moment in a portrait will almost certainly bring the subject to life in a way that’s undeniably them in both physical form and spirit!
At first, you might think that focusing on a signature expression in a portrait is just about capturing a particular physical look. But the truth is, those expressions often bubble up from within, a direct reflection of the person's inner self and the way their personality traits naturally shine through.
Take, for example, someone who's known for their analytical nature and their knack for dropping insightful gems. You might often see them gazing upwards, their eyes darting back and forth, as if delving deep into their mind to find the perfect thought.
Consider these well known signature expressions:
Ah, Jack Nicholson and those unmistakable eyebrows of his! With incredible finesse, he can control each brow separately, giving him the ability to convey various emotions. What's more, their sharply arched shape adds to his devilish charm, perfectly complementing the cunning and unpredictable characters he has portrayed, such as the Joker in "Batman" and Jack Torrance in "The Shining".
Another public figure with a unique signature expression was Princess Diana. Despite her statuesque height of 5 ft 10, she had a habit of tucking in her chin while her eyes seemingly always gazed upward; as if peering through her eyelashes. This combination created a vulnerable and innocent expression, which resonated with her circumstances as a young outsider navigating royal life. In interviews, she openly expressed her fears and feelings of isolation, further reinforcing the authenticity of her external demeanor.
How do you discover your subject's signature expression?
Here's the thing about signature expressions, some are just impossible to miss, right? But in other instances, we grow so accustomed to a person's facial gestures that we don't even realize there's a difference between their distinct physical features and the way they actually move them. It's like discovering that these two elements exist independently of each other.
I stumbled upon a fascinating trick some time ago that can aid in unraveling this puzzle. It involves asking someone to perform an impression of the subject at hand.
When you witness someone you're familiar with temporarily adopting the facial or even physical expressions of another person, the contrast becomes evident. It's as if a veil is lifted, allowing you to perceive the true disparity between their natural demeanor and the one they are imitating.
There was a moment when I dared to ask a close friend to imitate me, and here’s what unfolded:
First, a bit of background…there have been moments when I've questioned whether I have any distinctive physical features. It's as if I resemble those blended portraits created by merging countless faces together to form the most average outcome. Furthermore, I generally tend to explain my emotions in a matter-of-fact manner, rather than outwardly showing them. However, her impression proved me wrong:
Leaning in closely, as if to be discreet, and with a concerned serious look on her face, she set the foundations to deliver some bad news.
Although the exact details elude me, she spoke vaguely of something important I need to be made aware of, and began diving into the background story that presumably was going to lead to the specifics of what I needed to know.
Yet, amidst her serious tone, her eyebrows took on a comically exaggerated rhythm, moving up and down to emphasize each point. It was as if her brow movements playfully contradicted the words she spoke. And when she concluded her story with an absurd twist, it became clear that her earlier seriousness had just been a clever ruse to draw me in before delivering a surprise. Her eyebrows had quietly signaled that her tale wasn't to be taken too seriously all along.
Watching her, it felt surreal. It was as if she had become possessed by me. I instantly gained awareness of my eyebrow quirks. What made it all the more apparent was the fact that her eyebrows, being relatively small and positioned close to her eyes, don't allow for much movement. Yet, in her impression, she exerted them to the max, raising and lowering them with exaggeration, creating a very noticeable effect.
Thinking about that single expression and how it represents my traits, it’s actually quite accurate. I do have a flair for dramatic storytelling, I often deliver quick-witted and surprising remarks in conversations, and I’m known for being the comic relief in tense situations.
Furthermore, that expression perfectly captures the two main sides of my personality. On one hand, there's the matter-of-fact, analytical, and pragmatic side. On the other hand, there's the whimsical, absurd, hyperactive aspect. Often, I find myself flitting between these two poles from one moment to the next.
Select a trait or emotion that emerges naturally in the moment:
When it comes to letting a mood or personality trait emerge naturally, it's like curating emotions rather than creating them. You observe and capture the subject in the moment, then carefully analyze the assortment of moments captured to find the one that truly represents their personality.
This method may yield less predictable results on its own, but it's often the ideal approach when working with subjects less able to take direction like young children or animals.
However, it's important to note that this method is not mutually exclusive and is often combined with the other approaches mentioned earlier. It's all about finding the right balance to create compelling portraits.
When I, as the photographer, know about a specific trait in the subject, I have two options: I can try to bring out that side of their personality during the shoot, or I can focus on capturing the moments when they naturally express that trait. It requires some improvisation, but it's all about showcasing their unique qualities in the most authentic way possible.
Let me tell you about a memorable photoshoot I had with a 10-year-old girl…
I had been informed that she had a reserved nature but also possessed a hidden mischievous side. Initially, she displayed her reserved side, following posing directions but not revealing much genuine emotion in front of the camera. Interestingly, she had a younger brother who had the exact opposite personality, as often happens with siblings.
Intriguingly, her younger brother proved to be quite rebellious and full of energy. As I photographed her, he started making funny faces at her from behind me. It was a sight to behold, as I could see that his antics were gradually breaking down her walls and bringing out her other side.
Playing along with the unfolding dynamic, I acted as if I was unaware of her brother's “troublemaking” behind me. I emphasized to her the importance of not smiling, knowing that this would only encourage her brother to intensify his efforts to make her laugh. Meanwhile, I guided her into a pose that conveyed a sense of reserve: her arms rested gently at her sides, hands clasped together on her lap, head slightly tilted down. I positioned her at a ¾ view angle, avoiding a direct and assertive gaze into the camera.
As I patiently observed, I anticipated the moment when her composure began to falter. Her eyes started to shift towards her brother positioned behind me. A subtle smile emerged, accompanied by a mischievous sparkle in her eye. She fought to suppress her smirk and laughter, revealing the playful amusement that she was simultaneously trying to hold back. It was a delightful glimpse into her devilish side, struggling to be contained.
When it comes to capturing genuine emotions that truly reflect a subject's personality, most individuals, aside from trained actors, benefit from employing this method to some degree.
Even on the lighter side of things, an adult who feels at ease with both the photographer and the camera can typically follow directions to strike the right pose. They may only require a gentle prompt like "imagine..." or "remember when..." to evoke a genuine emotion that shines through their expression.
On the other end of the spectrum, young children or hyperactive animals may not remain still in front of the camera. In such cases, the photographer needs to be flexible and follow them around, capturing moments as they naturally go about their activities. By taking numerous photos in this manner, there's a higher chance of finding shots that truly represent their essence when sifting through the collection later on.
Preparation is key
Figuring out the perfect traits to showcase in the final artwork is quite a journey. Whether it's a dominant personality trait, a combination trait, a signature expression, or a spontaneous captured emotion, it all requires some groundwork. We lay the foundation well before we even think of picking up a paintbrush or snapping a photograph.
As you now know, exploratory exercises can be valuable in gaining insights into the subject's core traits and their physical expression. It takes a certain amount of effort to precisely define these traits in a way that effectively contributes to the creation of a portrait.
Once the emotion or trait has been defined, our focus shifts to creating a plan to evoke and capture it effectively. We also work out which artistic techniques to employ to enhance and convey this emotion or trait in the final artwork.
This is why our crucial first step to creating our artworks is the artwork planning session. It’s during this session that we’ll help you drill down to the sparkling traits and characteristics that will make the subject come alive upon the canvas!