Saturday, July 25, 2009

Pointers To Consider About Portrait Photography

By Merriam Tan

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. Some examples of portrait photography are graduations, special events, and weddings and are usually displayed in private homes.

History of Portrait Photography

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. 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

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. 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 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.

About the Author:

0 comments:

Post a Comment