Human Connection and Photography

Human Connection and Photography

During this time, when we had to settle for online meetings and WhatsApp video calls to catch up with friends, family and clients, I have yet again realized how important human connection really is.  I have had to build new relationships with potential clients over an internet connection, and although the words and the smiles were present, there was still something missing for me.  You pick up certain nuances in-person that is lost over a computer camera; slight changes in tone, micro-expressions and body language are things we use to fill in the gaps or enhance an interaction.  But, these are filtered out when you meet over the phone or computer.  And, not even mentioning the energy and warmth we experience from human interaction through a handshake, a hug or just that person’s physical presence.

Over these last couple of months, I had to explain to a client how I wanted her to change her hair because I was not allowed to touch her.  I had to encourage my subject to smile while my smile was hidden, and I had to build trust without being able to shake a hand.  I’m one of the lucky ones though, who had no choice but to see my clients in person; however, it came with its challenges.

This experience got me thinking, and I posed these questions to myself:

What is a portrait without human connection?  How will I be able to form a real relationship with someone I have never met if there is no physical connection between me and the subject? 

Dorothy Moss, associate curator of painting and sculpture at the National Portrait Gallery, defines a portrait as “a direct encounter with an individual.”  Now, if you understand how important it is to connect in order to take a good paint or sculpture portrait, is it not precisely the same when having an encounter with an individual for a photo portrait?  What is a portrait but a split second out of an encounter, a frame of a connection?

Research has shown that a lack of human connection can be harmful to your health.  Social connection can lower anxiety and depression.  It helps us regulate our emotions and leads to higher self-esteem and empathy.  It can even improve our immune systems.  We are social creatures, and we need face-to-face (not face-to-screen) interactions to thrive.  Technology is helping us to be more efficient, but it should be there to enhance our connections and not replace them.  So, in this time of online meetings, remember that nothing is as powerful as a hug and nothing seals the deal like a handshake.