Faces of Character: A Black & White Portrait Project
Welcome to the Faces of Character Project, a dedicated fine-art photography series curated between 2010 and 2011. This collection explores the human spirit through intimate, high-contrast black and white portraiture, focusing on the depth and texture of the human face.
About the Project (2010–2011)
The Faces of Character series features close-up portraits of family, friends, and remarkable individuals I have had the privilege of knowing. While the project is a visual study of facial features, its core purpose was to capture the essence of people who possessed deep life stories and profound wisdom.
The Inspiration: From Christmas Card to Collection
Every substantial artistic endeavor has a spark. For this project, the inspiration was accidental but poignant. I initially created a high-detail, black-and-white Christmas card. The visual impact of that single image—its raw detail and lack of distraction—inspired me to expand the concept into a full collection.
The Subjects: Capturing Wisdom and History
The individuals featured in this series were chosen not just for their appearance, but for their character.
Mentors and Elders: Many subjects were individuals I considered wiser than myself.
Family and Friends: The series serves as a time capsule of my closest relationships during 2010 and 2011.
Remarkable Strangers: People with compelling stories that needed to be told.
"The most meaningful part of this project was the time I spent getting to know each person and hearing their stories."
The Artistic Approach
Why Black & White Photography?
By stripping away color, these portraits force the viewer to focus on the texture of the skin, the expression in the eyes, and the lines that tell the story of a life lived. Black and white photography reduces the image to its most essential elements: light, shadow, and emotion.
The Power of Connection
Looking back at these images, the technical aspects of photography take a backseat to the memories attached to them. This project was as much about the conversation as it was about the shutter click. While I miss many of the faces captured here, this gallery serves as a permanent memorial to the moments and wisdom we shared.
Gallery: The Faces of Character Collection
Please view the selected portraits from the series below.
