What is a Hero/Heroine Portrait?
The inspiration for these images came from my daughter when she was 10 and loved to read.  We collaborated to create her heroine portrait based on a character from one of her most favorite books, Alanna, the first book of The Song of the Lioness quartet by Tamora Pierce.  This was such a fun and imaginative experience for her.  She was very involved in the details of the session, the design of the “costume” and the selection of props.   Throughout the creation of these images I saw her self confidence boost and her enthusiasm for the love of reading really shine.  The delight she felt in being a part of the creative process made me want to create these types of images with the children I photograph.  I’ve been creating children’s portraits for more than 20 years.  Childhood years are a time when young boys and girls have true heroes and heroines.  It is a time for make believe.  As young people journey through the path of childhood and adolescence, they develop self esteem, explore who they are and realize who they want to become.  A hero/heroine portrait session not only creates a beautiful painted portrait for their family to treasure, but it captures a moment in their young life when they get to become … their own hero/heroine.

Please scroll down to see all of the portraits in the gallery.

© 2001-2006, copyright Janell Mithani Photography