Finding Your Portrait Style
Bringing out the best representation of an individual through a photo is what makes portrait photography so exceptional. You’re dealing with people everyday with different personalities, looks and characters. As a professional photographer it is up to you to let your photo speak for itself. More than just the lighting and whole setup, you need to know how to direct and bring out the finest out of your subject.
Traditional Portraits
Traditional portraits showcase a visual representation of the subject. This usually entails the subject in his or her element, looking at the camera. You can go for a close up shot, head shot, two-thirds or a full body framing.
Environmental Portrait
This style of portraiture can be fun and challenging, because you’ll be at a location where your subject is in his or her best element. More than just showing your subject’s face, you’re shooting the surroundings that make them who they are.
Some examples would be an artist in a studio, a ballerina on stage, a chef in the kitchen or a farmer in the field. You get the drill. These several settings are utilized to give emphasis on the subjects and tell the audience what they’re all about.
(Success Tip: How to sell candid portraits with almost no effort)
Candid Portrait
This is when the subject is unaware that the photographer is taking a picture. Most journalism and travel photographers use this style as it captures a moment that is real and unexpected.
Glamour Portrait
This portraiture pretty much speaks for itself. Most magazines, fashion brands and beauty companies go for this look. The model is dolled up and styled, giving a very visually attracting look. This style aims to give a romantic feel to the portrait with a dash of luxury.
Lifestyle Portrait
This refers to a naturally captured moment, indicating a “style of living”. It combines candid and environmental portraiture, depicting the subject’s life and trying to tell a story. A number of industries use this style to best convey a feeling or an experience to the audience. Aside from commercial use though, most lifestyle photographers delve into weddings, family and even baby portraits.
Surreal Portrait
Surrealism is an art that started in the 1910’s and early 1920’s as a literary movement but affected the visual artists as well. Drawings would show unusual figures and symbols that are dreamlike. It portrays a subject’s subconscious being through photographic effects and tricks to achieve the particular style. Thanks to photo manipulating programs, it is easier to accomplish such requirements.
(Success Tip #2: Improve your photography even if you have little spare time!)
Conceptual Portrait
These images depict a concept that leaves the audience to make their own interpretation. They are staged to epitomize an artist’s idea. Nowadays, advertisements use this style for a more visually stimulating and eye-catching purpose.
Keep in Mind
Finding your own personal style as you progress as a photographer is crucial in your career. Learning the different styles of portrait photography will give you a jump start in creating your artistic voice in the industry.
ARTICLE BY TABITHA FERNAN