If you have an interest in photography, then you have certainly heard of the different types of photography out there.
Whilst there are quite a lot of types as well as subtypes that come from them, today, we will be mainly focusing on the diverse types of portrait photography that you may see but might not know what their label is.
Portrait photographers are focused on capturing people as they are with their photography, and despite the fact that some people may see this as easy, it is quite ambitious to capture the identity of something or someone in a single image.
Want to learn more about portrait photography and what it is?
Then read on to dive into the world of portrait photographs and what they mean in this day and age.
What is Portrait Photography
Getting right into it, what is the portrait photography definition?
It aims to capture the personality, essence, and identity of the subject of the photograph.
Using different photographic techniques including composition, posing techniques, and lighting equipment, the photographer can create an image that encapsulates all of that in just one photo.
There are quite a few types of portrait photography that are used which we will go into further down below, but you can expect to know more about, fine art portrait photography, lifestyle portrait photography, candid portrait photography, and self-portrait photography to understand a whole range.
Some of these types are more traditional portraits for professional use as well as publications, whilst others are more casual portraits such as lifestyle portraits/candid portraits which are for everyday life photographs.
The Types of Portrait Photography
If it is news to you that there are different kinds of portrait photography, and all you thought was that portrait photography was just people sitting in front of a camera to have their photo taken for a ‘traditional portrait’, then you are very wrong.
A portrait photographer may stick to one kind of style with their photography, or they may indulge in other types to broaden their horizons and add to their portfolio.
So much can be conveyed in a single photograph, and to do so with this kind of style does take skill.
Environmental Portraits
Environmental portrait photography is similar to lifestyle portraits, however, they are quite largely focused on the background and its importance to the person within them.
They are often used to highlight the subject’s personality or their identity, so it adds to what they are showcasing in this portrait.
What Would Be The Content?
For example, if you were taking a picture of a CEO, you would perhaps take a picture of them in their office behind a large desk or in front of it, it shows their status and their power.
These might be formal portraits and are used for publications, so they would be classed as traditional portrait photography.
The background can provide the power needed to show off what the portrait photograph is trying to say.
It is always important for a photographer to take that into account if they want to elevate their subject in the setting they are in.
Boudoir Portrait Photography
It is a type of photography that captures intimate and sensual images of individuals, generally women. These photographs are usually taken in a bedroom or a similar setting and are intended to showcase the subject’s natural beauty and allure.
The goal of boudoir photography is to create images that make the subject feel confident and empowered. It has become increasingly popular in recent years, as more and more women are embracing their sexuality and choosing to celebrate their bodies through artful and tasteful photography.
The good part is that this field is no more dominated by just male photographers. You can now get clicked for boudoir or escort photography in London by a female, feeling more confident and empowered.
What is This Photography About?
This type of portrait photography is all about empowerment and helping the main subject feel good about themselves and show off who they are so they can celebrate what they look like and how comfortable they are with themselves.
Candid Photography
There is no posing with this type of photography.
Candid portraits can be taken during events, on the street, or during a normal photoshoot in between shots to get authentic and real-life photos.
What is So Great About Them?
Professional photographers see these types of photographs as powerful as it catches the subject off-guard and shows them as their most authentic self because they are not aware that they are being photographed.
Fine Art Portraits
There is a debate about this kind of portrait photography and if it really is part of the subgenre.
Many fine art photographers get inspired by artwork such as paintings which can help them set the scene and create a visual story through their photography.
Renaissance paintings are known to have inspired fine art portraits.
Group Portraits
Most portrait photography is about a single subject, however, group portraits are still a part of this genre.
They include families, couples, and professional partners (business groups). The latter is especially important because it defines the company’s image. It implies a level of PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY that needs to be present when it comes to creating group portraits.
What is Important About These Photographs
The content of these photographs is all about capturing the dynamic of the relationship, whatever that is.
Love, romance, care, unity, professionalism, etc., will all show through if the photographer can bring out what they want in their subjects.
It is important to make these photographs show what the relationship is, no one viewing them should be guessing what is going on.
Conceptual Portraits
Conceptual photography is quite abstract as well as being very creative.
This type of portrait photography is about using the photograph to illustrate an idea or concept.
They are notably known as self-portrait photography because photographers will find different ways they can express how they view themselves.
How Are They Created?
To make these portraits stand out, photographers will use techniques such as props and photo editing to create a surreal look.
It is a perfect time for photographers to think outside of the box and move away from more traditional portraits that are the most well-known.
Glamour Portraits
Also partially known as fashion photography, this portrait photography type is all about combining beauty and fashion to highlight the beauty of a person, think of celebrity portraits all glammed up and looking their best.
What Makes it Glamour?
Creating photographs like this will include using makeup, wardrobe, lighting, and photo editing to produce something highly glamourized.
Fashion Photography vs Glamour Photography
Whilst they are kind of put together, there is a difference between these two, for example, fashion photography aims to focus mainly on the clothes/items within the photograph, whereas glamour photography is there to emphasise the subject and how they look.
Headshot Portraits
You will know this photography as the type that is used for actors, other performers, and people in the corporate world who need to have a full headshot to put on their profile and/or business website.
They are shot using studio lighting and will be in a particular place.
Only Focused on The Face
They are very tightly framed meaning that the background is only really there to highlight the person rather than using the background to tell a story or add something essential to the overall look.
There is make-up and styling involved for the best look.
Lifestyle Portrait Photography
This is very casual photography and they are normally shot in the real world with the studio being pushed to the side.
It is about life and the everyday environment.
They resemble what real life is like and it looks more natural and realistic.
What Do They Have To Do?
The subjects of these photos can be directed to do things but they are not posed shots, so they don’t have to freeze for the photo.
They may be told to walk somewhere as the pictures are being taken or to speak/jump to get the shot that the photographers looking for.
Conclusion
So, do you now know what portrait photography is and how there are many sub-categories that can be used in different settings?
If you are a new photographer then you may find information like this to be quite helpful when you are figuring out your own style and want to try out different kinds that will help you create the looks you are aiming for.