Portraits are such a special and intimate thing: they offer both a representation of the subject and a window into who they are, which is why it's so important as the photographer to give the utmost consideration to how we portray those two things. This wonderful video examines just that topic, connecting it to practical advice as well.

Coming to you from Sean Tucker, this excellent video follows him as he puts together and shoots a set of portraits of three men that were mentors to him at different stages in his life. I think it's well worth watching, as Tucker reveals some very personal aspects of his life that greatly inform the portraits he subsequently shoots. I think we spend a lot of time perfecting our lighting, posing, post-processing, and the like, and while those are all assuredly important aspects of creating a successful image, the fundamental essence of a human being is something we have to consider (particularly when shooting those who have played major roles in our lives). Only then can we create portraits the connect the subject to the viewer and tell a story. It's tremendously instructive to hear Tucker talk about this and connect it with the act of shooting.