Captured! - The one shot portrait challenge

I've been thinking about portraits lately... More specifically the idea of taking ONE photo that manages to capture the true essence/soul of the person being photographed.

I've managed to capture some great portraits over the years, but most of my favorites are of friends... partly I just take more pictures of people I know, but I think the emotional connection helps make the subject comfortable enough to let their guard down and let me capture a real image of them... I would love to get better at capturing images like this of complete strangers!

Here are some of my favorites that I think hit the mark as a single image with a little commentary on what I like about them:



John Kriesel lost his legs and two close friends (pictured behind him) to an IED in Iraq. But instead of breaking him the experience has made him stronger. Despite adversity he is still a happy optimist, and this year he was elected to he Minnesota House of Representatives!



Andrea is a US Army Blackhawk helicopter pilot, and this picture was taken in the cockpit waiting for clearance to take off for a mission into a very sketchy landing zone in the heart of Sadr City in Baghdad to pickup a suspected chemical weapon in a plastic bag... Many people would be looking a little tense at a time like this, but not her... The smile couldn't be more relaxed and genuine, and I think it captures the core of her personality.



Denise is a passionate gym rat and long-time fitness instructor despite a full-time "day job" at a technology consulting company. She is also one of the happiest people I know, and I think this shot captures her true passion and personality!



"Paper Clip Bob" is a long-time bartender at Axel's in Loretto, Minnesota. He has a totally dry unexcitable personality, and that trademark paper clip. Captured!



Steph is a member of the USA Women's Bandy team and also a full-time Minneapolis Firefighter. She could probably check you into the middle of next week on the hockey rink or carry you out of a burning building, but at her core she is happy and charming with a smile for everyone! I think this image captures the lurking intensity and easy smile...



Theresa has a serious corporate job at a major Fortune 500, but she also owns a farm with her husband and two sons. She is the perfect example of somebody who isn't defined by their work!