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.

Shaylin Versace Bradley

Chameleon Old world lizard

2021 Portraiture Seminar

Semi-Finalist – Stories category – Silver Lining Awards

Faces of Cairo Exhibition at Auckland Festival of Photography

William Maealiuaki Tu’ihalafatai Taufa

The Tortoise Queen

Beautiful Nicola

Beautiful Rose

Muriwai Gannet Colony

Paige

Portrait photography Q&A seminar

Tara Kartya Amoretti

Kimberley 2

Vendy II

Rock Pool

Gnome

Guy Williams shortlist

Guy Williams

Glamour at Castor Bay Beach

Beautiful Lucie

Vincent

Clinton

Autumn Leaves

Mike Watson

Faces of Jerusalem exhibition at artsdiary.co.nz

Beautiful Samantha

Beautiful Lucie

Inside two rocks

Embryo

Edgy Portrait

Beautiful Fernanda

Lachland

Otago Daily Times: Olive Baboon

Beautiful Antonia

Beautiful Ivy

Juxtaposition

Yawning Camel

Real Men

Beautiful Shannon

2020 Auckland Photographer of the Year

Agne Sumskyte

Beautiful Virginia

Beautiful Karin

Nakita

Finalist – RISE International Photography Awards – Creative Category

2020 SONY Alpha Awards: Editorial category winner

Popup Gallery at Milford Mall

On the Tree

2020 Iris Awards – Travel Category

NSPS Portraiture Q&A Seminar

Olive Baboon

Beautiful Sarah

2020 Auckland Art Show

2020 Mono Awards

Emmy strikes back

OPULENT

Alice

Chelsea

Chelsea and Johnny

The Elephant

Yoga

Chelsea

Fleur

Eddie

Meg on the rocks

Hannah and the Lotus

Roza

Roko

Lai

Tsian

Mollie

Photography Sessions at UXBRIDGE Arts

Iva

Tunnel Beach – The Rock

The Jetty

Meg

Fine Art Photography

Scapes exhibition at the 2020 Auckland Festival of Photography

Timid