I just caught-up with the March/April issue of American Photo and enjoyed reading the featured reporting on "The New Portrait: A Study in Three Parts"  (This issue also includes the magazine’s selection of America’s top 10 wedding photographers).

Regarding the technique and philosophy of the portraitist, what resonated most with me was an observation made by Annie Leibovitz, "…As soon as you engage someone, their face changes.  They become animated.  They forget about being photographed.  Their minds become occupied and they look more interesting."  So true. 

Leibovitz adds, "My pictures are helped by an environment.  I love the street.  I love going to someone’s house, seeing what’s on their walls, what chair they sit in.  I like to see how they live." 

This too is one of the many reasons I love photographing families and couples.  It’s an invitation into the revealing lives of others…and I believe most "curious" and observant photographers have a voyeur gene that needs continual nourishing.