Capturing Timelessness in Portraits: Inspirations from The Darling Buds of May
- Lee Howard
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Growing up, Sunday evenings held a special charm. After my bath, I would settle in front of the TV to watch The Darling Buds of May. The show starred the legendary David Jason and, at the time, the captivating Catherine Zeta-Jones. What stayed with me most wasn’t just the actors but the warm, inviting feel of the English countryside that the series captured so effortlessly. It felt timeless, as if it could have been made fifty years ago or just last week. The series revolved around two simple yet powerful themes: family and food. These themes, combined with the setting, created a comforting world that felt both familiar and enduring.
This feeling of timelessness stayed with me, especially when I worked on a recent project for the Great British Portrait. I wanted to explore how the world has changed over the past thirty years and how we continue to do the same things but in different ways. My wife, Gem, who runs a food review blog called LittleGem Reviews, inspired me. Food reviews used to be something distant, reserved for critics writing about fancy London restaurants I would never visit. Today, thanks to people like Gem, food reviews are part of everyday life, shared through social media and personal stories. This shift made me want to include her in my portrait project.
The idea of The Darling Buds of May kept coming back to me. I wanted to create a portrait that felt timeless but also reflected something as modern as a smartphone. I found a beautiful location that echoed the British countryside’s charm and aimed to blend the old with the new.
The Power of Timeless Themes: Family and Food
The Darling Buds of May shows us that some themes never lose their appeal. Family and food are universal, connecting people across generations. These themes create a sense of belonging and comfort, which is why they resonate so deeply.
Family brings warmth and connection. It’s about shared moments, support, and love.
Food is more than sustenance. It’s culture, tradition, and a way to bring people together.
When capturing portraits, focusing on these themes can add layers of meaning. A portrait that includes elements of family life or food can evoke emotions and memories that feel timeless.
How Portraits Reflect Change Over Time
Thirty years ago, the way we lived and interacted was different. Technology was limited, and many experiences were shared face-to-face. Today, smartphones and social media have transformed how we connect and share our lives.
In my portrait project, I wanted to show this contrast. The setting and mood reflect the timeless countryside feel.
Including Personal Stories in Portraits
Involving my wife Gem in the project added a personal touch. Her passion for food and her role as a food reviewer represent how everyday interests have evolved. Food reviews are no longer exclusive to critics but are shared by people everywhere.
This shift reflects a broader change in how we document and celebrate life. Portraits today can capture not just faces but stories, hobbies, and passions that define us.
Creating a Timeless Look with Contemporary Elements
To achieve a timeless look, I focused on natural light with small fill, simple settings, and classic compositions. The location was key—a place that felt like it could belong to any era. The props and styling avoided trends that might date the image.
At the same time, I included subtle modern touches, like the smartphone, to ground the portrait in today’s world. This balance helps the portrait speak to both past and present.
Why Timeless Portraits Matter
Timeless portraits do more than capture a moment. They tell stories that last, connecting generations and preserving memories. They remind us of what remains constant even as the world changes.
By drawing inspiration from The Darling Buds of May, I aimed to create portraits that feel familiar and enduring. They celebrate family, food, and the simple joys that define our lives.
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