Portrait of an Author: a sneak peak
Writing, Novels, Publishing, Photography, Portraits
First I feel like I owe you a personal update. The last few months I've been sharing my passion for photography with you and I hope you've been enjoying it. I certainly have enjoyed sharing my work with you.
However, I wanted to let you know that I continue to focus on my writing and behind the scenes I've been beavering away on the novel generation front. I previously gave you a hint at the world of Maria Knight. Well things move at their own pace in the publishing industry and I'll be able to share more with you about Knight's journeys at some point in the near future. Also a precursor: I'll be rebranding Rand Research soon too, but more on that next week.
In the meantime, I've begun working with an amazing literary agent and they've asked me for an Author Portrait. What can I say, I jumped at the opportunity to get in front of the lens for a change and, as always, loved it! I used the studio time we had to do some further portraits for my upcoming series. The shot above is one of my favorites. Thanks to Virginia Venn for making magic happen behind the lens and to Tim from Art of Light Studios for lighting direction.
I wanted to evoke Marion Ettlinger's incredible portraits of authors and feel very pleased with the result. I've included an accompanying piece to go with the Author Portrait. Below are two classic portraits by Marion. I absolutely love the one of Truman, a writer who has been very inspirational to me.
Portrait of an Author: Rand Leeb-du Toit
In the soft, deliberate light reminiscent of Marion Ettlinger’s iconic style, this portrait of Rand captures more than just the physical likeness of a distinguished writer and photographer; it encapsulates a story of resilience and profound transformation. The backdrop is minimalist, directing all attention to Rand's expression, which carries a serene yet intense gaze. The thoughtful positioning, with Rand looking slightly upwards, suggests an ever-present contemplation, a mind always in motion, reflecting the depth and complexity of his experiences.
The choice of monochrome tones adds a timeless quality, evoking the classic elements of fine art photography, while highlighting the subtle textures of Rand's features. The lighting accentuates the contours of his face, the gentle creases around the eyes, signs of laughter and years spent in contemplation. There's a strength in the set of his jaw, his firm shoulders, yet a softness in his eyes that hints at empathy, warmth, and an open heart—attributes no doubt forged in the crucible of his personal health battles and recovery from a heart transplant.
Rand's attire is simple yet elegant, suggesting both the professional aspect of his literary and artistic career, and the approachability of someone who has traversed great personal trials.
This portrait not only introduces Rand to the viewer, but invites them into a narrative woven from the threads of survival, creativity, and an unyielding passion for life and art. Each element in the frame is a chapter, a verse, a captured light—a testament to a life both ordinary and extraordinary in its unfolding story.
:: Rand