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.