Portrait photography is one of the most popular genre of in the world of photo. I'm not a renowned photographer by any means, but in my 16 years of photography, I've picked up some ideas here and there.


In this article, were not gonna talk about Steve Curry's beautiful use of light or that we should follow any advance techniques like dynamic symmetry, rule of thirds, the golden spiral, the golden triangle. This article is purely what portrait photography means(in my humble opinion.)


Let’s explore what portrait photography is all about and the tools you need to take stunning portraits.


Table of Contents

  1. What is Portrait Photography?
  2. Why is Portrait Photography Important?
  3. Types of Portrait Photography
  4. Best Camera Settings for Portrait Photography
  5. Tips for Capturing Great Portraits
  6. Summing Up

WHAT IS PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY?

Portrait photography is all about capturing the identity, personality, and essence of a person. It’s more than just a photo of someone’s face; it’s about telling their story through a single image. This genre of photography uses flattering backgrounds, lighting, atmosphere, and poses to bring out the best in the subject.

WHY IS PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY IMPORTANT?

Portrait photography serves the same purpose as portrait painting did for artists like Picasso and Da Vinci.


It’s a way to preserve the essence of a person for future generations.

TYPES OF PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY

Portrait photography comes in various styles, each aiming to capture the subject's personality in a unique way.


Here are some popular types:


TRADITIONAL PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY

  • Definition: Classic portraits where the subject looks directly at the camera.
  • Setup: Typically in a studio with controlled lighting and a formal background.
  • Example: Yearbook photos or professional headshots.


LIFESTYLE PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY

  • Definition: Captures subjects in their everyday environment, doing regular activities.
  • Setup: Natural settings like homes, parks, or workplaces.
  • Example: Family playing in the backyard, kids sharing a meal.


ENVIRONMENTAL PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY

  • Definition: Highlights the subject along with their environment.
  • Setup: Locations meaningful to the subject, like a musician in their studio.
  • Example: A chef in their kitchen, an artist in their studio.


GLAMOUR AND BOUDOIR PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY

  • Definition: Focuses on beauty and confidence, often with a touch of sensuality.
  • Setup: Private settings, often with professional makeup and hair styling.
  • Example: Fashion shoots, intimate boudoir sessions.


STREET AND CANDID PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY

  • Definition: Unplanned shots capturing people in natural, spontaneous moments.
  • Setup: On the streets, without posing or directing the subjects.
  • Example: Street vendors, people at a market.


FINE ART PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY

  • Definition: Artistic portraits that you might see in a gallery.
  • Setup: Uses props, editing, and sometimes elaborate setups.
  • Example: Dramatic, stylized portraits.


SELF-PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY

  • Definition: Taking a portrait of yourself, beyond just a selfie.
  • Setup: Requires planning, often with a tripod and remote shutter.
  • Example: Professional self-portraits showcasing personality or mood.

BEST CAMERA SETTINGS FOR PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY

Here are some settings to help you capture high-quality portraits:

  • Use single-point autofocus: Focus on the eyes.
  • Use a wide aperture: Create a shallow depth of field (e.g., f/1.8 or f/2.8).
  • Keep everyone in the same plane of focus: Especially for group shots.
  • Use a fast shutter speed: Avoid motion blur (e.g., 1/200s or faster).

TIPS FOR CAPTURING GREAT PORTRAITS

  1. Engage with your subject: Make them feel comfortable.
  2. Use natural light: It’s flattering and soft.
  3. Experiment with angles: Find the best one for your subject.
  4. Direct your subject: Guide them on posing to get the best shot.
  5. Practice regularly: The more you shoot, the better you get.


SUMMING UP

Portrait photography is more than just capturing a subject—it’s about showcasing their personality and telling a story through the portrait. With the right tools and techniques, you can create portraits that truly captivate and intrigue viewers. Join our Facebook group to connect with fellow photographers, share your work, and get tips and feedback. Let's start this photographic journey together!