A portrait is a picture taken of a person or small group focusing on their face or expression while they are in a still position, also known as portraiture. This is to display the personality, mood and the likeness of the person or group. You can also include the whole body and background in portrait photography as well. Generally the person or group will be looking strait at the camera during a portrait photo.

Unlike other styles of photography, portrait photography doesn’t usually include models. Graduations, special events and weddings are types of occasions where portrait photography is used, and later displayed in private homes. Many are done on studio with several backgrounds to choose from.

History of Portrait Photography

People have been using portrait photography ever since the camera was invented. Having your portrait painted was expensive and not as available. Natural light was used from an open window and people would sit against the background. With technology evolving photographers have the ability to take pictures with less exposure time giving them more freedom to move around and create new styles of portrait photography.

Styles

Portrait photographs can be done in a studio where the photographer can adjust the light when capturing portraits. They can change the direction and the intensity. Kicker lights, fill lights, background lights and the main lights are a few of the different lighting terms.

The main light is the primary light source. It is usually at a 45 degree angle of the subject but it can also be positioned above or below as well.The main light can create shadows so the fill light helps to eliminate them. The kicker light is the light that brightens up the hair of a subject. This will help to add depth and to show the separation from the subject and the background. A Background light brightens the background and can add effects to the backdrops.

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A portrait is a picture taken of a person or small group focusing on their face or expression while they are in a still position, also known as portraiture. This is to display the personality, mood and the likeness of the person or group. You can also include the whole body and background in portrait photography as well. Generally the person or group will be looking strait at the camera during a portrait photo.

Non-professional models are used for portrait photography, unlike other styles of photography. Some examples of portrait photography are graduations, special events, and weddings and are usually displayed in private homes.

A Bit of History

People have been using portrait photography ever since the camera was invented. Having your portrait painted was expensive and not as available. Natural light was used from an open window and people would sit against the background. Portrait photography can now be more creative with the way technology has evolve since they can adjust light and move around more.

Methods of Light

A professional photographer has complete control over the lighting when taking portrait photographs in a studio. They can change the direction and the intensity. Different lighting terms are kicker lights, fill lights, background lights and the main light. The most important light source is obviously referred to the main light. It is usually at a 45 degree angle of the subject but it can also be positioned above or below as well. The fill light is used to help eliminate shadows that are created by the main light. The kicker light is the light that brightens up the hair of a subject. This will help to add depth and to show the separation from the subject and the background. A Background light brightens the background and can add effects to the backdrops.

Technorati Tags: advertising, business, images, marketing, photography, photos, portrait photography, portraits