5/28/2011

Portrait Photography: Some Information

By Sam Riley


A portraiture, simply known as a portrait, is a photo centering a person or small group's facial expression while they are in a still position. The personality, moods & likeness of the person or persons come through. Aside from the face, portrait photography can also show the entire body & the background of the subject. The person or group is usually looking straight into the camera in a portrait photo.

Unlike other styles of picture taking, portrait photography doesn't usually include professionals. Some examples of portrait photography are graduations, special events, and weddings and are usually displayed in private homes. Many are done on studio with several settings to select from.

A Bit of History

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. Natural light was used from an open window and people would sit against the background. With technology evolving photographers have the ability to take pictures with less exposure time allowing them more freedom to move around and create new styles of portrait photography.

Portrait Photography Trends

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 include the main light, kicker lights, fill lights and background lights.

The most important light source is obviously called the main light. It is usually at a 45-degree angle of the subject but it can also be positioned below or above as well.The fill light is used to help eliminate shadows that are created by the main light. 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 & the background. To add effects to the backdrops the background light is used to brighten up the background.




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