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. The personality, mood and likeness of the person or group will be presented. 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. It was, and is more inexpensive way then having your portrait painted and it is a more available method. People would sit against a background and were lit with natural light from a window. Portrait photography can now be more creative with the way technology has evolve since they can adjust light and move around more.

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. Different lighting terms are kicker lights, fill lights, background lights and the main light.

The main light is the primary light source. The main light is generally positioned above or below the subject and at a 45 degree angle.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. To add effects to the backdrops the background light is used to brighten up the background.

Learn more about family portraits and find out about a portrait photography. You are welcome to reprint this article - but get your own unique content version here.

Tags: , ,