Photoshop

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. The personality, mood and likeness of the person or group will be presented. You can also include the whole body and background in portrait photography 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.

A Bit of History

Ever since the camera was invented people have been using portrait photography. Having your portrait painted was expensive and not as available. Natural light was used from an open window and people would sit against the background. 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.

Styles

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. Different lighting terms are kicker lights, fill lights, background lights and the main light.

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 main light can create shadows so the fill light helps to eliminate them. 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.