Artist Statement

"Portraits of a Soul" is a journey into the silent language of the human face, where the interplay of light and shadow, laughter lines and furrowed brows, reveal the untold stories of who we are beneath the masks we wear. In each portrait, British photographer Richard Pilnick captures a moment of raw presence, inviting the subject to shed societal façades and meet the lens with honesty. With an openness rare in a world of roles and expectations, he gives space for the hidden self to emerge.

German Face Reading Master Eric Standop complements Richard’s work by reading these portraits like songs of the soul. Every detail—freckles, contours, and expression—is transformed into verses, revealing the deeper truths written upon our faces but often missed by the casual eye. Eric's poetry translates the language of the face, speaking to our past experiences, personality, strengths, and fears, and capturing the essence of one’s being in words as unique as a fingerprint.

In a world where we constantly shift between masks, adapting ourselves to meet expectations, Portraits of a Soul reminds us that our true nature remains steadfast, carried in our features and expressions as we journey through life. This project reveals that the "face" we wear for others and the truth beneath it are not at odds; rather, they are woven together, embodying our resilience, our memories, and our individual stories. By bridging the realms of portraiture and face reading, Richard and Eric offer a path to self-discovery, encouraging us all to look more deeply—not only at each other but also within ourselves.

Missions Statement 

"Portraits of a Soul" is dedicated to helping individuals understand their true nature, offering a profound reflection of self that goes beyond mere appearance. By blending the art of portraiture with the science of face reading, our mission is to unveil the deeply personal story each face holds, like a poem written by life itself. Every mark, line, and shadow on a face is a verse, a note in the unique song of a person’s journey, resonating with the joys, fears, strengths, and vulnerabilities that shape who they are.

In collaboration, Richard Pilnick and Eric Standop invite viewers to discover what lies behind the masks we wear. Our faces, which adapt and shift to fit the roles demanded by our surroundings, nonetheless carry an unchanging truth—a personal blueprint of character, emotions, and life experiences. These portraits serve as mirrors, helping us see that our true selves are always present, visible for those willing to look more deeply.

Through the lens of portrait photography and the profound insights of face reading, Portraits of a Soul seeks to illuminate the beauty of authenticity. We offer each subject a unique gift—a poetic translation of their inner self, a revelation of the truths etched upon their face. Our mission is to foster a deeper understanding of the self and others, inspiring a connection to the universal experiences that bind us and a recognition of the individual soul that makes each of us distinctly human.