Irving Penn: Portraits

'Sensitive people faced with the prospect of a camera portrait put on a face they think is one they would like to show the world...Very often what lies behind the façade is rare and more wonderful than the subject knows or dare to believe'.  Irving Penn, 1975

I went to the National Portrait Gallery last weekend to see an exhibition of his portraits. For me, one of the most appealing things was the simplicity of the settings in many of the images.  There was nothing to detract from the sitter.  From famous or not he was always focused on getting beyond that façade.  I think this is what portrait photography should be about.  So get yourself down to the NPG before 6 June 2010.  Here is one of my favourites which is included in this show. ©Irving Penn