My idea of portrait photography is quite different from your typical portrait photographer. I guess it’s because I didn’t start out that way.
When I started out I had already had several years as a commercial photographer. I was frustrated with the advertising photography world. I loved the look of magazine photography, but I just didn’t like the life. (We’ll go into that life another time.)
I never really intended to enter portrait photography. True, I photographed portraits for magazines and advertisements, but I never saw myself as someone who could do a family portrait where everyone looks in the camera and smiles. Sure, I do include that sort of thing, because it’s nice to see a good smile on everyone, but I’m looking for something different. I’m usually not interested in fake smiles and stiff, uncaring poses. I insist that everyone touch and everyone look like they love each other.
My intention, always, when photographing anyone, is to capture a feeling and also to let light and shadow lead the viewer to that emotional place that we universally feel. When someone looking at your portrait can understand how you feel and see the art in your own emotions, then I know I’ve done my job. I am a professional photographer.
3 studios in Los Angeles and Orange county.
Our web address is http://www.LinneaLenkus.com
