Rewiring negative bias through portraits

It is pretty fascinating how our brains work when it comes to processing information, and I can't help but draw some parallels between this and the art of portrait photography. Just as I aim to capture the essence of a person and tell their story through images, our brains have their own way of perceiving the world around us.

So, let's talk about why our brains often seem to have this knack for focusing on the negative aspects of things. It's like our minds have this built-in survival mechanism from way back when we were hunter-gatherers. Back then, spotting potential threats or dangers in the environment was crucial for staying alive. If you think about it, noticing a predator lurking in the dark was probably more important than admiring that pretty flower. This is probably why I am such a scaridy cat on my own especially in the dark. (OK, listening to true crime podcasts also doesn’t help with that)

Fast forward to today, and although our lives are vastly different, that wiring still influences how we process information. Our brain's tendency to give more weight to negative experiences, sometimes referred to as the "negativity bias," has a way of sticking around. Think of it as a kind of mental filter that unconsciously shifts our focus towards what could go wrong rather than what's going right.

In the realm of portrait photography, this bias could play a role in how people perceive the images we create. Clients might (and will) notice a minor imperfection or a perceived flaw in themselves, even if those details are barely noticeable to others. It's like our brains are wired to zoom in on those negative aspects, almost as if they're looking for potential threats to our self-esteem.

But this is also where my role as a portrait photographer is really important in this whole process. When I create these legacy portraits, I’m not just capturing a moment; I’m helping my clients rewrite the narrative. I’m showing them the beauty and uniqueness that others might not notice – the laughter lines that tell stories of joy, the eyes that hold a lifetime of experiences, and the connections that make each person truly remarkable.

My approach is a powerful reminder that our brains might have their quirks, but we have the ability to reshape the way we perceive ourselves and the world around us. By focusing on the positive, the meaningful, and the transformative aspects of life, I’m creating more than just portraits – I’m crafting a new perspective that can resonate across generations. And that, my friend, is a legacy that goes beyond the limitations of any bias.