The Power of Connection: A Portrait in Black and White

Mary Fisk-Taylor, M.Photog.Hon.M.Photog.M.Wed.Photog.Cr., CPP, F-ASP, E-ASP

There’s something inherently timeless about black and white portraiture. The absence of color doesn’t strip a portrait of its emotion—it amplifies it. It demands we focus on the nuance of expression, the relationships between subjects, and the artistry of light and shadow. That’s exactly what drew me to create this piece: a quiet yet powerful portrait of four siblings that speaks volumes about connection, identity, and legacy.

What captivated me about this session wasn’t just the beauty of these young people—it was the dynamic between them. There’s a strength in their closeness, an unspoken bond that anchors them together. And yet, within that closeness, you can still feel each person’s individuality. Their posture, their gaze, their subtle expressions all say: “We are connected, but we are also our own.”

As an artist, that duality fascinates me.

I deliberately chose a simple, black background and clean, monochromatic wardrobe to remove any distractions from what matters most—the people and the emotion between them. There’s no noise, no trends, no fleeting fashion to date the image. It’s just them, forever captured in a moment that will only grow more meaningful with time.

The absence of color here isn’t a limitation. It’s a design choice—one that draws out truth. Black and white imagery distills a portrait down to its essence. There’s a purity in it. A dignity. And, in the case of relationship-style portraiture, a vulnerability that speaks directly to the viewer without ever raising its voice.

I can’t talk about this style of portrait without giving thanks to one of my earliest mentors: Tim Walden. Over twenty years ago, I had the privilege of studying under him. He didn’t just teach me about lighting, posing, or composition—he taught me to be intentional. He encouraged me to develop my own voice and vision, to put my thumbprint on the work while still honoring the foundational principles of this style of portraiture. I carry that wisdom into every session, and with every portrait I create, I hope I’m making good on that promise.

This image, for me, is a beautiful synthesis of all those influences. It’s classic yet modern. Simple yet deeply expressive. A celebration of both the collective bond and the individual spark that each subject carries.

It’s also a reminder of why I do this work.

Portraiture isn’t just about faces—it’s about stories. It’s about preserving how people feel about each other. Years from now, this family will look back on this image not just to remember what they looked like, but to remember who they were to each other. That’s the power of portrait art. It honors the present and gives meaning to the future.

As a photographer, I believe that’s a responsibility and a gift.

So yes, this piece is technically simple—black background, black clothing, no props. But within that simplicity is an entire world: four lives, forever linked, forever honored in a timeless portrait that will outlive the moment and speak across generations.