2. PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY
What is portraiture?
“A portrait is a painting, photograph, sculpture, or other artistic
representation of a person, in which the face and its expression is
predominant. The intent is to display the likeness, personality, and
even the mood of the person. For this reason, in photography a portrait
is generally not a snapshot, but a composed image of a person
in a still position. A portrait often shows a person looking directly
at the painter or photographer, in order to most successfully engage
the subject with the viewer.”
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3. PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY
Key aspects of portrait photography
• “Catchlights” - ‘sparkle’ in the eye. Innocence
• “Eye-level” - Insure the level is the same as this can create the
illusion they are powerful or week.
• “Ensuring the eyes are sharp” – show emotion, talk to people
looking in their eyes.
• “Contrast” – make sure the background is a clear colour or not
distracting.
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4. PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY
Key aspects of portrait photography
• “Natural pose and communication” – make sure the model
feels natural and comfortable.
• “Background” – insure colours are correct.
• “Focal length” – use long focal length. Min 18mm lens.
• “Aperture” – use appropriate aperture to insure the image is
sharp. Min f5.6 – f11
• “Composition” – eliminate head room, too much space above
could have been used below (chest) use rule of thirds.
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5. PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY
Split Lighting
What is it?
• “Using one light (usually a key)..”
Why is it an effective lighting method?
• “It is easy to control..”
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6. PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY
Rembrandt Lighting
What is it?
• “Similar to split lighting, the individual must..”
Why is it an effective lighting method?
• “It creates a moody tone to the image because..”
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7. PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY
Butterfly Lighting
What is it?
It is where a light is placed behind the photography, directly facing
the individual, this technique insures the subject is lit all the way
around the face.
Why is it an effective lighting method?
This method allows for an even lighting across the face, which can
be used when producing imagery of an older individual
8. PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY
Backlighting (Rim light)
What is it?
• “Illuminating a subject from the back”
Why is it an effective lighting method?
• “It creates a “halo” effect, which can be useful when..”
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