Name: Anne Collins Goodyear
Occupation: Assistant Curator of Prints and Drawings, National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution
Residence: Arlington
Why I chose this picture: This photo stopped me in my tracks when I first saw it. It was made shortly after Obama’s 2004 address at the Democratic National Convention, but it seemed to take on new significance in light of his Presidential candidacy and election. I wanted to include it in the National Portrait Gallery’s [“Feature Photography”] exhibit because I think that in its boldness it suggests something of Obama’s potential to be a transformative influence in American life. A VARIANT OFA variant of the photograph was originally published in GQ in December 2004, and I was struck by a statement made by Obama in the accompanying article: “The reason you do this stuff is not to give a fifteen minute speech or to get your face in a magazine . . . You do this stuff because you care about the epic struggle to make America what it can be.” I think the comment and the portrait reflect the strength of his character.
Martin Schoeller’s portraits remove his subjects from their typical environments and enable us to focus on aspects of their appearance we wouldn’t normally encounter so forcefully. When taking his pictures, he tries to help his subjects to relax—sometimes by playing music he knows they’ll like—and tries to photograph them at a moment they’re not focused on posing for the camera. As Schoeller has explained: “I have tried to bring out personality and capture individuality in a search for a flash of vulnerability and integrity, rather than just letting the face speak for itself.”
He uses the same formula whether he’s photographing Barack Obama or John McCain or someone less well known.
If you go
“Portraiture Now: Feature Photography”
Where: National Portrait Gallery, Eighth and F Streets NW
When: Through Sept. 27
Info: Free; 202-633-8300; npg.si.edu
