Portraits have a captivating power to freeze moments in time and convey emotions, stories, and personalities. Ok so these days we don’t always use a brush, paints and canvasses for a portrait session, but the principle is there, even if the method has moved on a bit. The art of portrait photography goes beyond capturing a mere likeness; it's about capturing the essence of an individual. So here are the things I’ve picked up along the way. Hopefully you’ll see why portrait photography is much more than pointing and shooting.
1. Understanding the Essence of Portraiture
Portraits aren't just about faces; they're about emotions, expressions, and connections. Understanding my subject's personality, mood, and the story they want to tell is crucial. I always engage in conversation as it’s essential to build rapport, and create an atmosphere where people feel comfortable expressing themselves.
2. Mastering Lighting Techniques
Lighting is the backbone of a captivating portrait. I’ve spent countless hours experimenting with natural light, studio lighting, and artificial sources as they can dramatically change the mood and tone of a portrait. There are a wide variety of lighting setups, such as Rembrandt, butterfly, or split lighting, which create depth and dimension in photographs. Lighting is the key ingredient when looking to create a ‘pop’ in an image. My particular inspiration is Caravaggio, with shadows playing a huge part in my personal work.
3. Composition and Framing
Composition plays a pivotal role in portrait photography. It’s not uncommon to find me experimenting with various angles, framing techniques, and perspectives to make interesting and visually appealing portraits. I am never afraid to break the rules; sometimes, unconventional compositions result in the most compelling images; some of my best shots are off the wall experiments.
4. Finding the Perfect Location
Selecting the right location can significantly impact the mood of your portraits. Whether it's a bustling urban street, a serene natural setting, or the intimacy of a studio, each location offers unique opportunities to enhance the subject's story. I’m conscious of backgrounds but again, not afraid to play around. Sometimes shots are incredibly striking because of the unconventional location. Like shooting a wedding on park row in Leeds or movie posters in a bar in huddersfield!
