A good portrait does many things. Initially, it brings attention to the subject. Who are they? What do they look like? What are they doing? It tells you the obvious. However, what’s behind the evident is what truly makes the portrait an extensive and detailed story in a single image. The portrait summons understanding, intention, and perception between the artist, subject, and viewer. This culminates in a harmony of meaning and perspective. “Powerful Portraits”, a 5 piece collection of carefully designed images, depict distinct characters full of independent existence and experience. This project chronicles the differing conditions and purposes of these characters through contrasting compositions of color and light.