6 Filipino photographers share what makes a good portrait—and the most memorable ones they shot

“A portrait is not made in the camera but on either side of it,” said Edward Steichen, the great American photographer credited for elevating photography into an art form. His description of portraiture is echoed below by six Filipino photographers who we asked to share with us the most memorable portraits they’ve taken over the years—all products of powerful, awkward, harmonious, trusting, reverential engagements with varied subjects.

All six—E.S.L. Chen, Jes Aznar, Jason Quibilan, Geric Cruz, Raena Abella and JL Javier—are joining more than a hundred Filipino photographers participating in the first photo fair of the newly-formed collective FotomotoPH. The event formally launched at KONDWI in Poblacion Makati, and subsequent openings will be held at The Alley at Karrivin Plaza along Chino Roces Jr. Extension , at Manila House in Bonifacio Global City, as well as other venues in BGC and Makati.

The beauty of portraiture is found in the interaction between the sitter and the photographer. Personally, I am interested in the extremes. That means either the subject gives the photographer one second of attention to pose or gives a nearly unlimited supply of time in which the two can interact. Anything in between feels contrived. Obviously, time is only one aspect. There are many others including emotion, place, composition and context.

Even if I am hesitant to define what makes a good portrait, I can say that I am drawn to those that move me. I also believe that most great portraits result from a truce between the sitter and the photographer. One of them has to surrender to the other’s intention. Why a truce? Because both the photographer and the sitter are both invading each other’s psyches in any sitting.The only trouble with this question is that I mostly will remember the circumstances behind any portrait I’ve taken once I see it again.

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