Monday, December 28, 2009

Know More About Portrait Photography

By Jerry Miller

A photo that shows a person or small group's facial expression while they are in a still position is known as a portrait, or portraiture. The personality, moods & likeness of the person or persons emerge out. Aside from the face, portrait photography can also include the whole body and the background of the subject. When shooting a portrait photograph the person or group is usually looking straight at the camera.

Portrait photography, unlike other styles makes use of unskilled 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 settings to choose from.

History of Portrait Photography

People have been using portrait photography ever since the invention of the camera. Having your portrait painted was expensive and not as available. Natural light was used from an open window & people would sit against the background. With technology evolving photographers have the ability to take pictures with less exposure time allowing them more freedom to move around & create new styles of portrait photography.

Styles

A professional photographer has complete control over the lighting when taking portrait photographs in a studio. They can change the intensity & the direction. 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 known as the main light. The main light is generally positioned above or below the subject & 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 & the background. A Background light brightens the background & can add effects to the backdrops.

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