Portraits go back to almost the beginning of humanity. They have been used to record status, wealth, history, events and memories.
The camera is simply a means to an end in portrait photography. It can get in the way of real connection. I try to avoid that. I want to show the person behind the picture; who they really are, and not just the face they show the rest of the world.
By lighting the sitter well, chatting to them throughout a shoot so they can relax, I want them to start to reveal themselves so we discover who they are.