How 19th century portraits inspire me as a photographic portrait artist

As a photographic portrait artist, I draw a lot of inspiration from the photography of the 19th century. There's something about the way these old photographs capture people that is truly captivating to me.

What I love about these photographs is how intimate they are. They show people in a way that is both natural and timeless. They convey emotions, personalities, and stories that are still relatable today. As an artist, I want to capture the same sense of intimacy and timelessness in my work.

Another thing that inspires me about these photographs is how they capture history and culture. The clothing, settings, and other details all glimpse what life was like when the photo was taken. It's incredible to see how much has changed over the years and how much has stayed the same.

As a photographic portrait artist, I strive to capture the same sense of character and personality in my work. I want to create portraits that tell a story, that capture a moment, and convey an understanding of the person's inner self. I draw inspiration from the techniques and styles of the past, my experiences, and the people I meet.

Even today, here in the 21st century, there are portrait artists that keep me inspired. One of my biggest inspirations is Sarah Coulter. Her film work on the set of Yellowstone and 1883 captivated me and inspired me to do stylized portraiture.

Click here to check out Sarah’s work.

Overall, photography from the 19th century inspires me to create timeless and intimate photographs. These photographs show us that even though times change, people remain the same at their core. As an artist, it's my job to capture and convey that essence through my work.

Below is an example of how a 19th-century portrait inspired me. The first portrait you see here is a digital scan of a glass-type negative taken late 19th Century, and the second image is a stylized portrait I did that was interpreted from the scan.