Juan Rodriguez
The portraits I take are of people that I encounter in my everyday life, whether in person or over the phone. Every person has distinct features that make them appealing. Each face tells a story that I learn of when talking with my subjects. I like to focus on my subject's smile or eyes and if they have facial scars, then I try to emphasize those as well. Prior to taking the image, I experiment with the settings to see which one brings out the best in each feature, which leads me to manipulate light in order to create emotion. My work is inspired by Yousuf Karsh. I first learned of Karsh in a history class; I noticed one of his artworks when learning about President John F. Kennedy. Karsh mainly took portraits in which he manipulated light to highlight specific features on his subjects. Each of Karsh’s images reveals the years of progress that lead to such amazing portraits. While observing more of Karsh’s work, I am inspired to show my own progression with every image I take. I intend to learn more and produce portraits showing the beauty of distinctive features from people that one wouldn’t normally see.
Dynasty, 2020New Beginnings, 2020