Introduction
Bernt Berglund was a renowned Swedish photographer and writer who made a name for himself with his captivating portraits of people and nature. He was born in 1935 in Stockholm, Sweden, and began his career as a photographer in the mid-1950s. Throughout his life, he worked on various projects, including books, exhibitions, and films, and his work was widely recognized both in Sweden and internationally. However, what sets Bernt Berglund apart from other photographers is his unique approach to capturing people and their surroundings, which he called his "three profiles" method.
What Are the Three Profiles?
In Bernt Berglund's own words, the three profiles are "the physical profile, the psychological profile, and the environmental profile." Simply put, he believed that a person's appearance, personality, and surroundings are all interconnected and should be considered together when creating a portrait. By doing so, he aimed to capture the essence of a person and their relationship with their environment, resulting in photographs that are both beautiful and meaningful.
Physical Profile
The physical profile refers to a person's appearance, including their facial features, body language, and clothing. Bernt Berglund believed that a person's appearance can reveal a lot about their personality and life experiences, and he paid close attention to these details when taking a portrait. For example, he might choose to photograph a person in natural light to highlight their skin tone or use a specific angle to emphasize their facial features. By doing so, he aimed to create a portrait that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also tells a story about the person being photographed.
Psychological Profile
The psychological profile refers to a person's personality, emotions, and inner world. Bernt Berglund believed that a person's psychological profile is just as important as their physical profile when creating a portrait. To capture this aspect of a person, he would often spend time talking to them and getting to know them before taking their photograph. By doing so, he aimed to create a portrait that not only reflects their appearance but also their personality and inner world.
Environmental Profile
The environmental profile refers to a person's surroundings, including their home, workplace, or natural environment. Bernt Berglund believed that a person's environment can reveal a lot about their life experiences and cultural background, and he often included elements of a person's surroundings in his portraits. For example, he might take a photograph of a fisherman on a boat or a farmer in a field to highlight their connection to the natural world. By doing so, he aimed to create a portrait that not only reflects the person being photographed but also their relationship with their environment.
Bernt Berglund's Legacy
Bernt Berglund passed away in 2008, but his legacy lives on through his photographs and writings. His unique approach to portrait photography has inspired many photographers around the world, and his work continues to be exhibited in galleries and museums. Moreover, his books, including "Three Profiles" and "The Swedish Forest," are widely recognized as masterpieces of nature photography and have been translated into several languages. Through his work, Bernt Berglund has left a lasting impact on the world of photography and will be remembered as one of the greatest photographers of his time.
Conclusion
Bernt Berglund's "three profiles" method is a testament to his unique vision and approach to portrait photography. By considering a person's appearance, personality, and surroundings together, he aimed to create portraits that are not only beautiful but also meaningful. His legacy lives on through his photographs and writings, which continue to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.
