Photographers have traditionally used eye contact to connect with their subjects and convey meaning through images. This technique has been particularly popular in portrait photography, where capturing an intimate moment between photographer and subject can produce powerful results. However, there are also instances where photographers have used gazes that lack eye contact or even focus away from the camera altogether to create a sense of disconnection or alienation. By exploring these approaches, we can see how photographers manipulate gaze and eye contact to express different moods, ideas, and emotions.
When photographing portraits, some photographers will encourage their subjects to look directly into the lens while others will instruct them to look elsewhere. This direct eye contact creates an engaging connection between the viewer and the image, drawing them into the scene. The power of this approach is evident in many famous portraits throughout history, such as Dorothea Lange's iconic Depression-era photos of displaced migrants or Richard Avedon's intimate portraits of celebrities like Marilyn Monroe. In these images, the eyes of the subject are often the focal point, conveying a range of emotions from sadness to defiance to hope.
Other photographers take a more subversive approach, using blindfolds or avoidance of eye contact to challenge our assumptions about what makes for an effective portrait. For example, Cindy Sherman famously wore various wigs and costumes to depict herself as dozens of characters, including a woman with her face turned away from the camera. Similarly, Diane Arbus often took candid shots of people who were unaware they were being photographed, capturing unguarded moments that would not otherwise be possible if they had been posed. These images challenge traditional notions of beauty and societal norms by presenting us with unconventional views of humanity.
In fashion photography, too, photographers have used gaze and eye contact to create moods that are both alluring and disquieting. In one notable example, Helmut Newton's infamous "Sexual Perversion" series features models staring directly at the camera while appearing to engage in sexual acts. This bold approach challenges viewers to confront their own voyeurism and desires, while also raising questions about how we perceive gender roles in society.
Throughout history, photographers have experimented with different techniques to manipulate gaze and eye contact in order to convey meaning through their images. Whether it is direct engagement or intentional distance, these approaches help us see the world differently and challenge our expectations of what constitutes powerful imagery. By studying the ways in which photographers use gaze and eye contact, we can gain new insights into how visual media shapes our perceptions and attitudes towards the world around us.