We live in an era of digital paradox, where our phones and computers have more processing power than ever before, yet we use this incredible technology to erase the very humanity from our faces. What started as a fun app feature on the likes of Snapchat is now an indispensable part of how we present photographs on our social media.
Every day, millions of images flood social media, each one edited and perfected until the person shown on screen barely resembles the person behind it. Constantly seeing perfection on the screen, real or not, warps our sense of reality and makes it hard to see ourselves as we really are. It’s a digital dilemma that’s sparked a counter-revolution and a demand for genuine connection; for authentic representation.
Portrait photography is one way we can break away from the edited versions of ourselves and show what it means to be human in an age of artificial enhancements. A new generation of photographers is reclaiming its original purpose: to celebrate individuality and foster creativity.
Why authenticity matters
Portraits immortalise one’s personality, emotions and character, and they encourages people to embrace who they really are while also inspiring others to do the same. Psychology research consistently shows that authentic self-expression results in improved mental health, stronger relationships, and greater satisfaction with life generally.
When we see ourselves captured not as we think we should look, but as we truly are, we tend to experience a profound shift in self-perception and self-esteem. Empowering portraits can also be powerful tools for reclaiming identities and challenging dominant narratives. Photography has the unique ability to break down stereotypes and offer alternative perspectives on marginalized communities.
Photographers around the world are taking an authentic stance when it comes to portraits, such as Petra Collins who shoots exclusively with 35mm film and doesn’t retouch her images, for completely genuine images. Katalin Száraz is another example – a Hungarian photographer who uses photography, in her own words, “as a tool of therapy and exploration”. Her narrative photos are focused on the connection between identity and lifestyle, and are used as a method for expression with classic techniques.
Practical tips for an authentic portrait session
Embrace vulnerability
An authentic portrait session, whether it’s a self-portrait or one of someone else, starts long before stepping in front of the camera. Reflect on what you want to capture and the emotions you want to communicate in your shots that go beyond what we look like.
Being more present and mindful of your surroundings also allows for more natural, authentic portraits, something this blog from MPB explains further. Authentic portraits flip the script on the preconceived notion that you need to focus on certain angles or minimise ‘flaws’. Instead, these might be the very aspects of yourself that you want to reveal and celebrate.
Think about the set-up
The technical aspects of authentic images, from your lighting choices to the lenses used, can be used to serve the emotional goals of the session. Soft, natural lighting often works better than dramatic studio setups because it won’t overwhelm natural features, while longer focal lengths can help subjects feel less self-conscious about the camera’s proximity while still capturing intimate expressions.
Create a safe environment
From a photographer’s perspective, creating a safe environment for authentic expression is critical. Establish trust and build rapport with your subjects – it’s this human connection that will pay dividends when the camera comes out. Try to direct the shoot without posing, it can be challenging but it’s also where you’ll capture genuine expressions and natural body language that feel so much more engaging.
The move towards authentic portraits is a shift towards valuing genuine human experiences over manufactured perfection. Each unfiltered portrait creates a ripple effect that contributes to a broader conversation about beauty, culture and authenticity.
Images from Body Beautiful by Saloni Agarwal – see full story here.
