A portrait, also called a portraiture, is a photo focusing on a person or small group’s facial expression while they are in a still position. The personality, moods & likeness of the person or persons shine out. Portrait photography doesn’t always have to be just a face inside a picture; the whole body and the background can be included too. When taking a portrait photograph the person or group is usually looking straight at the camera.

Unlike other styles of picture taking, portrait photography doesn’t usually include models. Graduations, special events and weddings are types of occasions where portrait photography is used, and later displayed in private homes. Some are done on studio with several backgrounds to choose from.

The History of Portrait Photography

Ever since the camera was invented people have been using portrait photography. It was, & 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. Portrait photography can now be more creative with the way technology has evolve since they can adjust light & move around more.

Methods Of Light

A professional photographer has complete control over the lighting when taking portrait photos in a studio. They can change the intensity & the direction. Different lighting terms are fill lights, background lights, kicker lights and the main light.

The main light is the primary light source. The main light is generally positioned above or below the subject and at a 45 degree angle.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 & 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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