“A portrait is not made in the camera but on either side of it.” - Edward Steichen

Portraits are a special form of photography, requiring someone to trust you to make an image of them.  Being camera-shy myself, I am surprised at how many people agree to let you make a portrait when you ask them.  Photographers making portraits in studios have the luxury of time and their subjects’ patience.  My portraits are usually of strangers I meet on my travels or here in New York.  I prepare my camera settings before asking whether I may take a photo, as I have a very short window of opportunity once I get permission.  But it’s worth it, as portraits have the power to focus us, even just for a moment, on the lives of others.