They say a portrait offers a glimpse into the secret lives of the subjects. William Eggleston’s intimate photography does this and more – his famed captures of suburbia in the American south, vivid scenes of people in diners, supermarkets and petrol stations, allowing viewers to explore the social and political backdrops of the era and asserting him as a pioneer of colour photography. William Eggleston Portraits, opening at the National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne, assembles more than 100 works by the Eggleston, featuring photographs of the artist’s friends, family, musicians, actors, and for the first time reveals the identities of many of his subjects who have remained anonymous until now. William Eggleston Portraits will run from March 17 through June 18, 2017 as a part of the NGV Festival of Photography.