Exhibition News
John-David Biggs is presently preparing a major portrait exhibition of remarkable men and women, to be held in London in 2010.
He specialises in portraits of individuals in their later years, usually in their seventies and eighties, and uses a unique combination of plate-camera technique, natural interior daylight and the platinum palladium printing process. The resulting portraits reveal a great depth of character and a very real sense of presence.
There is presently a limited opportunity to nominate individuals for portraiture to be included in this exhibition, and the accompanying book.
Private commissions are also undertaken.
Please click on the right hand menus for information about the portrait process, commissioning and specifications.
Commissioning a Portrait
To commission a portrait please email me in the first instance to arrange to talk on the telephone. As each portrait is unique and personal a phone call helps to clarify what's involved for the subject and for me to understand what you expect from commissioning and owning such a portrait. I will be very happy to explain what's involved, especially if you are having a portrait made of someone other than yourself, such as your spouse, parent or business associate.
Some guidelines:
Only one session is required, always at the subject's preferred location, usually their home, favourite club or any place with strong personal associations. Up to three or four hours is usually required, almost all of which is spent simply in conversation, listening to their interests and particular passions, career and ambitions, and finding out what they love about life, their home, books, objets d'art, collections etc. This is my chance to observe quietly, listening and watching as they reveal their character through their expressions and bearing. Only towards the end of our time together will I decide where exactly is best to sit or stand my subject, and the actual photography takes a mere 15 minutes or so.
