Portraiture
Understanding Portraiture
- Portraiture is one of the oldest types of photography, tracing its roots back to the very invention of the camera.
- It often involves the deliberate attempt to not only capture a physical likeness, but also the personality and character of the subject.
- The success of portrait photography largely depends on the personal connection and relationship between the photographer and the subject.
- Familiarise with the rule of thirds, the golden ratio, and other compositional rules that can help enhance your portraiture skills.
Types of Portraits
- Traditional Portraits strive for a balanced image of the subject emphasizing their physical appearance above everything.
- Environmental Portraits place the individual within their surroundings, using the environment to give additional insight about the person.
- Candid Portraits capture the spontaneity of the moment, often without the subject knowing their picture is being taken.
- Surreal Portraits use creative post-processing or staging techniques to create an artistic, often fantastical image.
- Conceptual Portraits focus more on the idea behind the image than the subject itself, often incorporating elements of fine art photography.
Technical Aspects of Portraiture
- Familiarity with camera settings is essential. Lower aperture values (wider openings) create a shallow depth of field, blurring elements not in focus.
- Use natural light where possible, but also understand the use of reflectors, diffusers, and flash to control lighting.
- In low light settings, adjusting the ISO values can help capture the required detail without over-exposing the image.
- The choice of lens also matters in portraiture. While wide-angle lenses can distort the subject’s features if used up-close, telephoto lenses tend to produce flattering results.
Creative Approaches to Portraiture
- Close-up or Macro Portraits can highlight interesting features, expressions, or details of the subject.
- Trying different angles or perspectives can add an interesting element to portraits, turning them into an intriguing work of art.
- Black and White Portraiture can add depth and drama to an image, focusing attention on the subject’s expressions.
- Prop Incorporation can add a narrative element to the portrait, telling a story about the subject through simple or complex details.
- Post-Processing Techniques such as dodging and burning, adjusting contrast, etc., can enhance the overall quality of the portrait.
Analysing Portraiture
- Famous portrait photographers such as Annie Leibovitz, Richard Avedon, and Steve McCurry used styles and techniques that should be studied and understood.
- Recognition of the symbolic or metaphorical meaning behind a portrait can help in understanding the narrative element of the image.
- Analysing the body language, facial expressions, lighting, background, and other elements in the portrait, and their collective implications, is crucial to understand the interpretation of the image.
- Develop a critical eye to appreciate both the aesthetic aspects of the photograph and its contextual significance.