Found portraiture
The notion of ‘found’ portraiture is a phrase I have coined to describe the place where there is a blur between street photography and formal portraiture. These portraits are like found objects through which artists make three dimensional representations. We stumble upon them suddenly and without warning. We find them waiting for us, still, and very much a part of the landscape. Classical portraits in their composition and construct, they are discovered by the street photographer rather than set up. Like street photography, they are spontaneous with many layers of meaning and narrative but unlike dynamic street photography, there is little or no movement. Dynamics come from tension between the individual and the lens, and action is told through a glance, an expression, a placed hand, the link with others in the frame, objects and street furniture. In the Andalucia series, the image of the old couple is an example of this blur between portraiture and street photography. It is clear that the couple have not been directed towards the lens but rather the lens has found them. Yet they are still, and confront the lens with awareness and attitude. The dynamism in the shot is being held in the tense space between them and the photographer.
The notion of found portraiture can also be seen in the image of the sleeping man with a sandwich. Still and unaware of the lens, the elements and objects around him sit as comedic symbols reminiscent of renaissance art, telling a deeper story about the individuals within the frame. He is found classically placed close to his half consumed objects as if they are displays echoing the renaissance placing of solid and symbolic representations of his life achievements. However, these objects tell of how he spent the last hour rather than a lifetime.
Discussion on the definition between street photography and found portraiture can be interesting and productive. Some photographers may feel that the lack of dynamism in found portraiture renders it outside the true definition of street photography, while others would argue that these candid, chance encounters with humanity, embody the very notion of everything that defines street photography .
Vilja Wheatcroft