Charisma
Charisma is an invisible force that can turn even the simplest frame into an image full of emotion and energy. In photography, especially portraiture, the person being photographed becomes a co-creator of the artwork – through their posture, gaze, and gestures, they add layers of meaning that technical skill alone cannot achieve. The examples of two great 20th-century artists, Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí, show how charisma can shape photography, making it not just documentation but art in its own right.
Picasso, renowned for his creativity and independence, was a favorite subject for photographers like Gjon Mili and Robert Doisneau. His photographs exude an energy that seems to transcend the frame. Picasso had a unique ability to embody the moment, as if he was acutely aware of every detail of the scene. His nonchalance, characteristic gestures, and sense of humor transformed even the most mundane situations into something artistic. Photographers adored Picasso because their frames came alive – his charisma was the light that illuminated every image.
Dalí was the opposite of subtlety – his charisma drew attention like a magnet. Every photograph of him was a spectacle, a meticulously crafted performance filled with surreal elements. Dalí collaborated with renowned photographers such as Philippe Halsman or Charles Hewitt to create iconic images where his face, gestures, and props became integral to surreal narratives. Dalí consciously used his eccentricity to blur the lines between photography and painting.
Despite being photographed by countless artists, Picasso's and Dalí’s charisma was never diluted. On the contrary – every collaboration revealed new dimensions of their personalities, often amplifying their presence.
See in the galleries below how famous 20th century photographers brought out the charisma of these two iconic creators. Get Inspired!
Photos of Pablo Picasso:
1-David Douglas Duncan, 2-Gjon Mili ,3-Yousuf Karsh,4-Arnold Newman, 5-Gjon Mili,6-Arnold Newman,7-Edward Quinn,8-Edward Quinn,9-Philippe Halsman,10-Robert Doisneau
Photos of Salvador Dali:
1-Charles Hewitt, 2-Robert Descharnes,3-Charles Hewitt,4-Daniel Farson, 5-Phelippe Halsman,6-Daniel Farson,7-Robert Descharnes, 8-Charles Hewitt, 9-Phelippe Halsman,10-George Konig
The stories of these two artists teach us that photographing charismatic individuals is not just an act of documentation but a collaboration that can lead to something extraordinary. Here are a few tips to help photographers capture that elusive "something more":
Observe and Adapt
Avoid imposing your vision. A charismatic subject often suggests how best to capture them – through their behavior, expressions, or gestures.
Highlight Authenticity
Create an environment where the model can be themselves. Charisma is often rooted in naturalness.
Be Bold – Experiment
Play with angles, lighting, and composition to uncover different facets of the subject’s personality.
Engage in Conversation
Sometimes, a simple chat builds a connection, making the subject feel more at ease, which shines through in the results.
Respect Individuality
Avoid fitting the subject into a template. Charisma is about uniqueness – let it shine through in the frame.
recomendations:
David Douglas Duncan BIO: https://www.icp.org/browse/archive/constituents/david-douglas-duncan?all/all/all/all/0
Gjon Mili BIO: https://www.artnet.com/artists/gjon-mili/
Yousuf Karsh Homepage: https://karsh.org
Arnold Newman Homepage: https://arnoldnewman.com
Edward Quinn Homepage: https://www.edwardquinn.com
Philippe Halsman Homepage: https://www.philippehalsman.com
Robert Doisneau Homepage: https://www.robert-doisneau.com/en/robert-doisneau/portfolios/
Charles Hewitt - no info
Robert Descharnes WIKI: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Descharnes
Daniel Farson WIKI: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_Farson
George Konig - no info
cover photo:
Charles Hewitt - Salvator Dali / James Lord - Pablo Picasso