Say Cheese

Three things to remember when taking portraits are:
~ Typically, the camera should be positioned at eye level of the subject, ESPECIALLY with children.
~ Use a simple background that won't distract the viewer, unless the background is relevant (like an environmental portrait).
~ Fill the frame with the subject. They ARE the subject, after all.


There are a few main types of portraits:

Environmental: In an environmental portrait, the picture tells the story of the subject. How they're dressed, what they're doing, or where they are are all factors in creating a portrait that shows the subject's personality.



Here's an example of an environmental portrait. It's a bit comical too.

Candid: In candid portraits, the subject is typically unaware and in an uncontrolled setting. Sometimes the subject can also be aware of the presence of the photographer, but they are not posed.

Posed: All this means is that the photographer has communicated to the subject, and the subject acts or poses a certain way to create the desired shot.

Formal: A formal portrait is planned out; the clothing, location, style, mood, etc is all controlled by the photographer.

Group: Obviously, a portrait taken of a larger group of people.

Couple: The object of the photo is to portray the connection between the two subjects, whether it be motherly affection, attraction, or teamwork.

Sporting: A portrait of an athlete. Their uniform and surroundings tells you what sport they participate in, and the mood of the subject can tell you their attitude at the time of the shot.

Children: Portraits of children can be candid or posed. Typically parents like to have portraits of their children when they're very young.