I had some time today and spent it in the National Portrait Gallery.
I was really keen to see the National Photographic Portrait Prize 2013. I’d gone last year, and I figured this year would make an interesting comparison. Plus, if my photography keeps improving, I’d love to enter a few competitions.
I may as well aim for the moon.
As I wandered through the exhibition, a bunch of portraits caught my eye. I started jotting notes in Evernote on my iPad, but it was slow and pulled me out of the moment. So I began taking photos of the description plaques instead; even with security right next to me; because it was quicker and far less awkward than writing everything down while people waited behind me.
Honestly, who would photograph the portraits themselves when the gallery already provides gorgeous images online?
A little later, another guard came up to me and said, “No photography.” I told him I understood about the portraits, but I was just photographing the plaques so I could look things up later; was that okay? He repeated, “No photography in this gallery,” without really answering the question. I didn’t want to push it and spoil the visit, so I closed the iPad and carried on.
I’d honestly love to hear from someone who knows the actual policy, because being able to capture the plaques would make exploring the works afterwards so much easier.
National Photographic Portrait Prize 2013
As I wandered through the exhibit, plenty of pieces caught my eye; even a couple that made me stop and say, “Oh wow.” I’m sure my picks don’t match what the judges saw, and that’s totally fine. It actually made me wonder whether the gallery ever runs sessions explaining what the panel looks for and how they make their decisions. I’d find that genuinely interesting. And if it already exists, I’d love to know how to get notified.
These are my favourites from today and why they resonated with me. I may well be Robinson Crusoe with my choices.
Dennis Del Favero,by Hamish Ta-mé
This was the first piece I saw and immediately thought polarising filter dude! Then I looked a little longer and realised the inability to see the eyes drew me to keep looking
Bean no more,by Quentin Jones
I enjoy this photo because it is a photo of the Actor Rowan Atkinson and truly not Mr Bean. I photograph lots of people, displaying their alter ego many of whom I don’t think I’d recognise in real life.
Train travellers,
by John Van-Den-BroekeI
like the fun and the reflections, I also like the the other people going about their business.
It stuck with me also regarding the competition rules about permission of subjects.
Would we need to get all six? Would I want to wake them?
To Bare all, by Nicholas Duell
I really love the lighting here; it makes for such a beautiful shot. My eyes go straight to hers, even though they’re mostly hidden in shadow.
To me, it doesn’t feel like a “brave older woman” photo the way the photographer describes it; it just comes across as a gorgeous portrait.
Birds’ nests,*by Rewa Nolan**
This could be my daughter, in fact everyone’s daughter, mine frowns like this because of the brushing that follows.
I’m not sure that this doesn’t touch every parents heart. That moment is common but not everyone has this photo in their portfolio*
Morse coder,*by Richard Goodwin*
Just a great photo, I went back many times because I couldn’t stop looking for what I liked.
I think these are the best photos, I still can’t tell you what I like.
Confronted,*by Tim Tam**
I’m discovering a growing appreciation for street art, and I want to engage more with it and the urban environments where it lives.
All images liked from original source on National Portrait Galley – National Photographic Portrait Prize 2013 Page
Originally published on DavidLMackie.com. This recovered copy was captured on 2014-11-26. View the archived original.