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.