What Is Portrait Photography?

A portrait, also known as a portraiture, is a photo centering on a person or small groups facial expression while they are in a still position. This is to display the personality, mood and the likeness of the person or group. Portrait photography does not always have to have just the face in the picture, the whole body and background can be included as well. When taking a portrait photo the person or group is generally looking strait at the camera.

Portrait photography, unlike other styles uses unskilled models. 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 backgrounds to choose from.

History of Portrait Photography

Ever since the camera was invented people have been using portrait photography. It was, and 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. With technology evolving photographers have the ability to take pictures with less exposure time giving them more freedom to move around and create new styles of portrait photography.

Methods of Light

Portrait photographs can be done in a studio where the photographer can adjust the light when capturing portraits. They can change the direction and the intensity. Kicker lights, fill lights, background lights and the main lights are a few of the different lighting terms.

The most important light source is obviously referred to the main light. It is usually at a 45 degree angle of the subject but it can also be positioned above or below as well.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 and to show the separation from the subject and the background. A Background light brightens the background and can add effects to the backdrops.

Find out more about family portraits and find out about a portrait photography. Get a totally unique version of this article from our article submission service

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