Fundamental Styles of Portrait Photography

Photography is a medium to save the various moments in the day to day life. We can record all the cherished moments, celebrations and events. When we look at these memories in the form of images, we recollect the occasions nostalgically. Today, photography is a most popular word used globally. There are many styles of photography which people use. One most popular style is portrait photography. Portrait photography is a creative art. It is a very good way to express the emotions of the subject in the form of an image. There is no other way that one can preserve the smile and amazing looks for so long. It is one of the traditional mediums which make you look young, lively and even authoritative.

Portrait photography is to photograph an individual or a group that shows the appearance, mood, and personality of the subject. In this kind of photography, the main focus is usually the subject’s facial expressions, though the entire body and the background can be included. Portrait photography is usually based on the basis of three categories, i.e. subject, number of people in the frame and the frame/shot. It is essential for photographers to classify these types in order to select the most artistic direction. There are some common range available which can enhance your knowledge in the world of portrait photography. Below is a list of some fundamental styles of it:

Candid portrait: A candid portrait is taken where the subject may be aware or unaware of the photographer. This style mostly in travel photography, photojournalism, event photography and street photography. In this kind of portraits, the photographer does not have much authority to change the background and reactions of the individual being photographed. Things are unplanned, natural and spontaneous in it.

Traditional portrait: Traditional portrait also known as a classical portrait means an image where the face of a person is the prime element. The agenda of the photograph is to portray visual representation of the subject. The person being photographed is likely to be looking straight at the camera.

Environmental portrait: It refers to a picture where there is a focus on the relationship of the subject and its natural environment. The link between the subject and its environment is more apparent than the subject’s facial expressions.

Glamor portrait: This refers to the images where the importance is given to highlight the attractive, sexy and passionate appeal of an individual. Glamour photography is usually a composed picture of a person in a still position. This kind of portraits are for professional use and contain models as subjects. Clicking the right expressions and the spirit of the personality becomes the key to a good picture. They are mostly used for commercial purpose.

Lifestyle portrait: In this, the main focus is given to depict the living style of the person’s portrayed. In the photography world, it is termed as the combination of candid portrait and environmental portraits. More importance is given to exhibit the subject’s feeling and its life experience. It is extremely used by editorial, fashion, medical, and hospitality sector to arouse feelings in viewers by depicting the desired lifestyles.

Surreal portrait: Surreal portraits are formed to highlight the other reality of life. A representation of an individual’s interpreted subconscious mind is reflected through this kind. Photography tricks and special effects are used to achieve the unreal look.

Conceptual portrait: Conceptual portrait is a type of photography where the idea adds a fourth element. This kind of portraits usually contains some hidden meaning, which make the viewers keep on guessing about the concept of the image.

Abstract portrait: Abstract portraits also known as non-objective art are produced with a purpose of creating an art. They are not based on realistic representation of an individual.

Sporting portrait: The sporting portrait shows the subject with their constant, equipment in their sporting atmosphere. It can be clicked before or after an occasion or at a separate time altogether.

The different styles mentioned in this article are the basic principles of portrait photography. Each type or a combination of it can be applied to many types. It is obvious that different photography styles have their own particular tactics and treatment. For example, a wedding photographer can choose to use tradition vs. candid style, or lifestyle vs. glamor style. At last, it is the desire and the insight of the photographer that makes a perfect picture.

Photography is all about the combination of the skill, knowledge as well as techniques of the photographer. However, in the true way, an outstanding photographer would only need creativeness and strong powers of observation to be able to capture photographs that are truly beyond the normal.

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Created on Dec 31st 1969 18:00. Viewed 0 times.

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