Portrait Photography

Since learning and growing a better interest in photography, I have pictured all types of people. Learning the techniques of how to take a good picture is crucial but also getting to know the person who you are shooting is as equally important. As the saying goes "A picture speaks a thousand words" well obviously a picture does not speak but the saying refers to the idea that instead of writing a description of somebody, the picture will portray the meaning for you. I find that portraiture compromises with that expression and people reveal their true emotion if the photographer can understand the underlining meaning of the subjects story.

I think a very important technique when approaching your subject is to understand a little about them. For example, their background or a certain happening which may have happened whether it be a happy emotion or a sad emotion. Allowing the subject to feel comfortable and settled whilst being photographed allows the photographer to share the same feeling and to benefit a good selection of portraits.

Portrait photography has many styles depending on the subject. For example it is common for a photographer to take portraits of a newly born baby, which captures the babies early days and expressions which should not be missed. Other styles can be relationship portraits which explore and highlight the connection with the ones you love. Portfolio shoots and modern day portraits are also another style of portrait photography given that they are both funky and highlight a sense of amusement they are ideal for young children and families expressing relaxation and having an informal approach to the shoot.

The key concept to consider is highlighting the subject of your portrait. For instance when portraying your subjects through relationship portraiture its import to keep the images simple, using little or no props at all, keeping the tone neutral using black and white to allow full emotion and depth. The subjects clothing should also be dark and plain emphasising their impact. It allows the audience to be fully drawn to their emotion.

Thinking about how to succesfully highlight the subject within the portrait it all relies upon the choice of lighting. I think natural daylight is the best possible source of light for capturing the human personality. The infinite variety of outdoor lighting conditions allows unlimited opportunities for expression and excellent effects can also be produced by simply sitting near a window.

Portrait photography can be divided into four sections: Close up, Facial shot, Upper body shot and environmental shot. There are also four approaches that can be taken in portrait photography. Each approach has been used over time for different reasons whether technichal, artistic or cultural.

Constructionist approach:
This is when a photographer portrays a idea through the photo. For example, a portrait of a couple showing romance and love or a family and friends showing happiness and fun. It is the most common approach in studio and social photography. It is also used in advertising and marketing photography.

The environmental approach:
This approach shows the individual in their normal enviroment for example a teacher in a classroom or a child in a playground. With this approach more is given about the individual, not all is left to the imagination.

The candid approach:
The most common example of this approach is paprazzi. The candid approach is where people are photographed doing their daily routines, it is more of a natural approach to a photograph.

The creative approach:
The creative approach is associated with digital manipulation, this approach is becoming more and more popular with portrait photography.