It is this first time I am participating in the Lens-artists challenge. This week’s challenge is by Ritva Sillanmäki Photography. I highly recommend giving it a read. Her post guides you through tips you might find useful when taking portraits.

I have been taking portraits for a while now, and I enjoy the process. I feel more at ease asking friends and family to be in front of the camera, so my main subjects are familiar to me. I feel this allows me to capture more relaxed moments or to easily direct them to pose.

This week’s challenge inspired me to have a second look at some of my favourite portraits of people and animals. I look forward to seeing your interpretation of this challenge.

My top favourite portrait is this photo of “branquita”, our family dog, that sadly has already passed away.

This was taken with a manual Pentax film camera. I love the graininess of the film and how her nose is in focus, but what really captivates me is her eyes.

Ritva emphasizes the importance of focusing in the eyes, and in this next portrait, I find the eyes incredibly expressive. Although they are not fully in focus, they are the first thing I see.

Self-portrait: playing with natural light.

It took several attempts to take this photo. This was some years ago. At the time I was not really happy with the results. Maybe a common problem with self-portrait. At least for me it is. I appreciate it now, I like the way the natural light is reflecting on the skin.

I also like these side view portraits capturing those sweet relaxing moments.