Sunday, December 6, 2009

Portrait Photography 101

By Michael Miller

A portraiture, simply known as a portrait, is a photo focusing on a person or small group's facial expression while they are in a still position. The personality, moods and likeness of the person or persons shine through. Portrait photography doesn't always have to be just a face inside a photo--the whole body and the background can be included as well. The person or group is usually looking straight into the lens in a portrait picture.

Portrait photography, unlike other styles makes use of non-professional models. Graduations, special events & weddings are types of occasions where portrait photography is used, and later displayed in private homes. Numerous 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, & is more inexpensive way then having your portrait painted & 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 allowing them more freedom to move around & create new styles of portrait photography.

Using Light In Portrait Photography

Portrait photos 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 fill lights, background lights, kicker lights & the main light.

The most important light source is obviously known as the main light. The main light is generally positioned above or below the subject & 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 & to show the separation from the subject & the background. A Background light brightens the background and can add effects to the backdrops.

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