In Canon Australia’s most recent ad, six photographers were given the chance to take a portrait of one man. Each photographer was told a different story about their subject, that he is a recovering alcoholic, an ex-inmate, a lifesaver, a millionaire, a psychic or a fisherman.

The photographers were then given the task of ‘flushing out the essence of who he is’ in a simple ten minute portrait sessions. The end results are all very different as can be predicted- just as they were in Dove’s similar campaign ‘Real Beauty Sketches’ , but what’s important to take away from this advertisement isn’t about how we perceive each other, it’s how we choose to disseminate information we receive. How much influence do preconceptions have over the final tone of the photograph and how do they find their way into our work? Do preconceptions make the work more honest?

Having your portrait taken is a very personal experience, and the message it conveys can be as much about the photographer as the subject. Whenever you put yourself behind the lens, you are showing your perspective on what is in front of you. If you have ever had your portrait taken, you know how intimidating it can be, but it is the photographer’s role to ease you into the situation and make you more comfortable so your true self is revealed. Those little bits of information you’re sharing about yourself can completely transform the mood of the photograph, whether they are factual or not. But it’s how these preconceptions are handled that show us who is showing more through the lens, the subject or the photographer.

All in all, if you’ve never had the experience of being photographed by a someone, stranger or friend, it is something you should try atleast once every few years. Step outside of your comfort zone and see how others perceive you, it is always an interesting way to discover something new about yourself. You might just surprise yourself.