The Art of Portrait Photography
Through their work, portrait photographers try to portray some truth about the people being photographed. Carl Van Vechten took portrait photographs for more than 30 years. Many of his works are presented in Creative Americans: Portraits by Van Vechten, 1932-1964. Below are several photographs of three performing artists of the post-World War II era. Examine the photographs carefully. What clues to these artists' personalities and work do these photographs give? How do costumes and props add to or detract from the photographs? Which photograph of each artist do you prefer? Why? Find out more about each of these artists. Does your new knowledge change your response to the pictures? Why or why not?