The Rise of Authentic Portraiture by Sanjay Naker
In a world full of filters, perfect skin, and manufactured perfection, there is a subtle revolution taking place in photography—a re-embracing of the raw, the real, and the truly human. Pioneering this cause is London photographer Sanjay Naker, whose portraits have become the benchmark for honest portraiture.
Why Authenticity Matters
For decades, portrait photography has been aiming for technical perfection—sharp focus, perfect lighting, and post-worked skin tones. But the advent of social media, and the ubiquitous exposure to worked-over imagery, has made many feel disconnected from what they see.
Sanjay Naker's portraits disobey that rule.
He shoots individuals not as they wish to be perceived, but as they are—with all the imperfections, impermanence, and authenticity that include human life. His subjects mostly sit for him in daylight, in ordinary environments, and with very little editing. The outcome? A candid beauty that speaks.
"A portrait should feel like a moment, not a performance."
— Sanjay Naker
The Process Behind the Lens
What sets Sanjay's work apart isn't only his technical ability—it's his style. Instead of telling his subjects to pose, he talks to them. His shoots are less of a photo shoot and more of a discussion between two people who've known one another for decades.
This emotional bond enables him to freeze an expression that's brief and easily overlooked—an uncertain glance, a relaxed smile, a furrow of consideration. These micro-moments are stories far more complex than any posed posture could ever be.
Influences and Impact
Sanjay takes inspiration from mythical humanist photographers such as Dorothea Lange and Steve McCurry, but gives his own work a very modern, British twist. His subjects tend to mirror the diversity and richness of UK life—working-class heroes, immigrant narratives, old age and wisdom, and youth on the brink of discovery.
He has collaborated with grassroots community projects, mental health organizations, and arts collectives—frequently targeting individuals who have little exposure in mainstream media.
The Authentic Portraiture Movement
Sanjay Naker is not the only one. In the UK, there's a growing movement of photographers who are turning towards authenticity. From weddings and street photographers to editorial and personal branding experts, there is a consistent movement towards photographing people the way they are, rather than the way they want to be.
True portraiture is not a style—it's a worldview. It's a request to the photographer, as well as to the subject, to be open. To release control. To believe that the truth in the photograph is stronger than the performance.
Why It Matters Now
Post-pandemic, people are craving connection. We’ve learned to value sincerity and emotional honesty more than ever before. Sanjay Naker’s portraits don’t just show a face—they show a soul. In doing so, he reminds us that the most powerful images are not the ones that are perfect, but the ones that are real.
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