Sometimes the best portraits are unplanned

We have so many stories of photo sessions where an utterly spontaneous moment led to a fantastic portrait. It’s part of being ever alert and seeing even the most fleeting of instants with a portrait artist’s eye. The best portraits capture someone’s personality… and also tell a story.

Here are a few surprising (and serendipitous) moments that we (and our clients) have really loved.

During a portrait session with his mother, this fellow walked in and put on his mom’s coat. This photograph is all about beauty, youth, and strength… and the tender boldness of his gaze.

In the middle of an evening photo session it was time for our client’s dog to go for a walk. Naturally, we followed along. The result is a slice of life that’s lovely, quirky, and real.

It’s no spoiler alert to say that most folks — even those who regularly step up on stage — feel awkward being photographed. Here’s a moment of unpreparedness that sang pure blues.

We set up a portrait session in her living room and she rocked it out of the park. This moment when she’s glancing “off-screen?” Magic.

See the wristband? This isn’t a studio portrait. It’s a photograph from a music festival. Sometimes, capturing an intimate moment in a crowd is about finding an unexpected angle… and leaning into the light.

With the right eye, a backstage “green room” candid results in a photograph that says more about the road than the stage.