Blog Masonry | Ilan Wittenberg Photographer

Eyes to the Soul is a captivating collection of portraits of women. Each has a personal note, a caption or a quote describing her journey: challenges, obstacles, ambitions and aspirations. The portfolio offers rare moments with incredible women who offer us a glimpse into their lives. The words of these women shed light on memories and events that shaped who they are today. A photograph is worth a thousand words but it takes us less than one tenth of a second to form an opinion about a complete stranger, based only on their looks. Their unique story adds an important third dimension to their striking portrait, offering an intimate insight into their world. At a time when women are often silenced by society, I wanted to create a portfolio that offers my subjects tell their own story.

The key to a compelling portrait is the eyes. We connect with others through their eyes. I am motivated to engage the viewer and spark connections. Connections that go beyond the fleeting ones which we are subject to on a daily basis. My aim is to capture precious moments where people are in control of the story they wish to share with the world.

The combination of using a soft, directional light while adapting a special post-processing technique, enhances their portraits. The use of simple background eliminates distractions so the viewer can focus on their facial expressions. They look directly into the camera so there is always a highlight in their eyes. People often refer to eyes as windows to the soul. The eyes never lie, they show the truth, no matter what face we put on, they reveal our emotional state. Our eyes, just like our body language, give us away, conveying more than we ever can using just words.

The women in the collection represent different cultures and backgrounds. This diverse group of women serves as a timely reminder that despite our many differences, we are able to unite as a community through the power of photography. The collection is a celebration of our shared values: individuality, community and unity. The portraits show that we are all wonderfully unique, yet at the same time, we are deeply the same.

Jessica Clip1

Red!

Karen Album II

Drought Print

Focus on community magazine

Faces of Humanity exhibition clip

Gannet Triptych

Pet Cremations

Beautiful Jana

Te Aratika Drilling Album

Beautiful Marjolein

Faces of Humanity exhibition opening event

Lest We Forget

Faces of Jerusalem Artist Statement

Kim Wells

Hannah Collection

Beautiful Dana

The Tor at Waiake Beach

Waiake Beach

North Shore Rock Location

Gin sample

Te Aratika album

Wendy Album

2021 Iris Awards

Noa and Maya

Valabenci Fashion Photography

Wanaka Tree

Quarry Composite

Edgy Helen

Shannon Triptych

Quarry Panorama

Helen and the Snake

Stunning Eve

Helen with Boxing Gloves

The Diving Mask

Mary

The Gargoyle

Faces of Cairo exhibition layout

Angela Hero

Al-Aqsa Mosque

Courtney on the Rocks

Jorja Thysse

Taylor Blake

Deemi

The Janie Seddon Motueka Shipwreck

Lying Down

Stretching

Boy with a Smoke

Woman on a Rock

Dead Wildebeest

Man with an Apron

Hippopotamus

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Gabrielle Wichman-Heremaia;

Dana

Wayne and Jennie

Roma and Emmanuel

Queen Deemi

Jennie and Wayne

Faces of Humanity exhibition at the NZ Parliament

Muriwai

Petels

The view through the window…

2021 Nelson Triptych Salon

Helen Main

Michael

Leon

Mareah

Finalist at the 2021 NZIPP Iris Awards – Nature category

Between two Rocks

Who is the Boss?

2021 Iris Awards

2021 Art In the Park

Shoe Laces

Staging Art

Who is the Boss?

The Cave

Between Two Rocks

The Maasai

Cats Forever