A Level Photography AQA

Portraiture

Portraiture Basics

• Portraiture is a genre of photography that captures the personality, mood and expression of a person.
• A key aim is to establish a connection between the model and the viewer.
• The subject does not necessarily need to be looking directly at the camera.

Technical Aspects

• Lighting is crucial: how it's positioned and its intensity can greatly affect the atmosphere of the portrait.
• Depth of field is used to either isolate the subject from the background or to link them with their surroundings.
• Framing is another important consideration: whether to use close-up, mid-shot, or wide-shot can drastically alter the portrait’s impact.

Historical Context

• The history of portraiture dates back to ancient art, but the invention of the camera in the 19th Century revolutionised the genre.
• Notable photographers include Julia Margaret Cameron, known for her soft focus portraits, and Richard Avedon, famous for his minimalist, stark white background portraits.
• Understanding the history gives your portraits depth and meaning.

Conceptual and Thematic Portraiture

• Portraits can explore themes such as identity, social class, race, and gender.
• It can be used as a medium to push boundaries and challenge societal norms.
• Conceptual photography pushes this further by incorporating symbolic elements or themes.

Practical Considerations

• The comfort and rapport with your subject is crucial in capturing authentic photographs.
• The surrounding environment and the use of props can contribute to the narrative of the photograph.
• Consent and ethical considerations are fundamental when photographing individuals, potentially more so than in other genres of photography.

Analysis of Portraits

• When analysing portraits, consider the photographer's intent, composition, use of light and the reaction it provokes in the viewer.
• Discussing whether the portrait is successful in conveying a story or emotion is key.
• Portraits are a reflection of the time, culture, and society in which they were created, and are therefore subject to multiple interpretations.