Portrait Photography

create dramatic portraits with natural light live view for camera settings
Couples Portrait Photography example

What is Portrait Photography?

If you’re a social person and you love to capture the essence of people in real-life shoots, then portrait photography might be the discipline for you.

Unlike candid shoots, portrait photography sees your subject posed in front of a specific backdrop.

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Bridal Portrait Photography Example

History of Portrait Photography

Portrait photography is one of the oldest photographic disciplines in the world, first arising thanks to the affordability of daguerreotypy in the 1840s. These early cameras had long exposure times, and as such, early subjects often look expressionless and are posed very simply. As photography advanced and cameras started to have shorter exposure times, it gave photographers more ability to experiment with poses, lighting, and costume.

Approaches to Portrait Photography

There are four key archetypes of portrait photography that are in use today:

Creative

Creative portrait photographs are staged shots where the photograph is manipulated to change the final output. This is what we commonly think of when we talk about portrait photography, as modern creative portrait photographers use programs like Photoshop to change the subject’s appearance or setting.

Candid

Candid portraits are taken of people in their natural environment and without their knowledge. While this can produce stunning images that showcase the subject’s personality, this use of photography has been widely condemned as the paparazzi have made it more exploitative and invasive for the subject.

Environmental

Environmental photography is a less invasive form of candid photography, where subjects are captured doing something that relates to them. These shots have been popular throughout history and as such photographs from this discipline are considered a vital source of historical information.

Constructionist

In a constructionist portrait, subjects are photographed working in a situation that pertains to a certain idea that the photographer wants to capture. These kinds of portraits are popular in technical environments, for marketing purposes, and in business.

See the latest portrait photography news, tips and tutorials in the articles below.

6 Tips for Outdoor Family Portraits

Pye

Outdoor family portraits are a fantastic way to capture genuine, heartfelt moments that families will print for the walls of ...

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Fall Children’s Portrait Photography Tutorial

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We're going to create a rich, Autumn-toned portrait, from start to finish.

Midday Photography Lighting Tips for Better Portraits

Alice Houstons

If you head out unprepared to capture portraits under the midday sun, you might find yourself wrestling with harsh shadows ...

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4 Reasons the 85mm is Perfect for Portraits & How to Use It

Pye

In this video, Pye gives four reasons why the 85mm prime lens has become a staple in a portrait photographer's toolkit and he also shares how to use it.

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How to Choose the Right Backdrop Color in Portrait Photography

Alice Houstons

Despite playing a more supportive role in photos, backdrops significantly impact the final image. The best backdrops work in tandem ...

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Where to Develop Film | The Best Labs for Film Photographers

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Here's to saving ourselves some time from running around town trying to look for a decent film lab. Throw those keys on the table, and grab your comfy office chair because all you have to do is put those rolls of film inside a mailer.

Create Vintage Hollywood Glam Photography In 4 Simple Steps

Pye

The golden age of Hollywood, the period between 1920 and 1960, is characterized by timeless glamour, dramatic lighting, and chic ...

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Family Photography Tips and Inspiration

Christopher

Family Photography is one of most common genres of photography for amateurs, professionals, and weekend warriors because of its universal ...

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Photography Mini Sessions | 10 Tips for Success

Christopher

Mini Sessions are short family photography sessions scheduled in 20 to 30 minute time slots, with multiple sessions occurring in ...

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10 Tips for Better Water Reflection Photography

Sean Lewis

This is one technique you should absolutely keep in your toolbox to boost your creativity.

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8 Essential Couples Photography Tips to Inspire Your Shoot

Sean Lewis

Couples photography gives photographers a unique opportunity to capture memorable moments for their clients and create compelling images for their ...

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The Art of Head Angles: Creating Dynamic and Engaging Portraits

Christopher

Head angles are a crucial element in portrait photography, as they have a significant impact on the overall composition and ...

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