The Portraits

I take inspiration from classical portraiture — chiaroscuro lighting, structured composition, and an attention to stillness. The aim presence: something quiet, dimensional, and built to last.

These portraits are made with the future in mind. They are meant to be held — kept in a family, passed down, or rediscovered years from now. Not just a record of how someone looked, but how they were.

Portrait commissions start at $1,000. Some work is paid for, but some work is called for - when a vision is mutual, that number won't stand in the way.

Contact

I welcome inquiries for portrait sessions in the Washington, DC area — especially from those drawn to this kind of work and curious about what it might reveal.

Professional hair and makeup can (and often should) be arranged to support the final image, always in service of the tone built together.

Email: vanbesien@gmail.com

— Bill Van Besien