A portrait is a picture taken of a person or small group focusing on their face or expression while they are in a still position, also known as portraiture. 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. Generally the person or group will be looking strait at the camera during a portrait photo.

Unlike other styles of photography, 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. Many 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, 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. Portrait photography can now be more creative with the way technology has evolve since they can adjust light and move around more.

Methods of Light

A professional photographer has complete control over the lighting when taking portrait photographs in a studio. 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 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 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. To add effects to the backdrops the background light is used to brighten up the background.