It has long been my opinion that photography was made for the portrait.  I have no way to back up this claim historically, just a feeling I have always had. I find portrait photography to be a fascinating genre, both as a maker and someone who enjoys looking at fine photographs. Early in my career I was a retail photographer, chasing kids and families around my studio all in the name of the family portrait.  Later as a fine art photographer the portrait continues to be an important part of my work.