Basic Things You Need To Know About Portrait Photography

By Nelson Tan

A portrait, also known as a portraiture, is a photo centering on a person or small groups facial expression while they are in a still position. This is to display the personality, mood and the likeness of the person or group. You can also include the whole body and background in portrait photography as well. When taking a portrait photo the person or group is generally looking strait at the camera.

Non-professional models are used for portrait photography, unlike other styles of photography. 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.

A Bit of History

Ever since the camera was invented people have been using portrait photography. 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. With technology evolving photographers have the ability to take pictures with less exposure time giving them more freedom to move around and create new styles of portrait photography.

Methods of Light

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 most important light source is obviously referred to the main light. It is usually at a 45 degree angle of the subject but it can also be positioned above or below as well.The main light can create shadows so the fill light helps to eliminate them. The light that brightens up the hair of the subject is the kicker light. 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. - 33381

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