Taking this photograph was not planned at all. My idea of a gaze photograph is when you look at someone and instantly want to take a portrait because they have a natural emotion. Nothing is forced and the image itself is raw. I noticed my brother looking at my over my mom’s shoulder and the way he was staring at me with his giant eyes was perfect. Because I was outside, this photo was taken in natural light.
I did schedule a few photo shoot with friends and family but through all the images I keep resorting back to his image. The reason why I keep doing this is because of the look in his eyes. No caption is needed because the look is so strong.
I think viewers will feel a sad and lonely look in the subjects eyes. They’re darkness and texture connects the viewer and subject in a gaze. The lighting worked in my favour because I always find natural light brings out someone’s eyes a lot more than studio lights.
I didn’t have an adult subject that you can control and ask them to look a certain emotion. I caught eye contact with my brother and then snapped the photo.
