If I ask what do you understand by portrait photography, what is the first thing that comes to your mind? Is it the mid shot of a smiling girl or is it a happy family picture? Well, such are some of the most common perceptions of portrait photography. However, this is the tip of the iceberg which you know and see. Portrait photography is a different genre which can be broken down into several varieties. To get started with below the visible part of the iceberg and into the vast ocean of learning and possibilities, follow below the curated list of various styles of portrait photography.
Candid portrait
If you are a fan of candid photography, then you will go all gaga over candid portrait photography. The beauty of a candid shot is its natural state. This variety of photography captures the real emotions of the subject which distinguishes it significantly from posed pictures. Candid portraits are widely used in street photography, event photography, and even wedding photo shoots. Since this candid portraits demand the subject to look away from the camera, it reduces the level of consciousness and allows the subject to be relaxed throughout the shoot.
Traditional portrait
Traditional portraits can be of different varieties. This is a dominant form of portrait photography where the subject looks right into the camera. Traditional photography is where the subject is fully aware of your presence and chooses a specific pose to capture your posed expressions. Such portraits can be shot in full-body frames and are the perfect choice for visual representation of a person.
Professional portrait
Industry professionals use professional or corporate portraits for creating an attractive corporate profile. Such portraits are posed pictures which will help in introducing themselves and also in establishing authority in the industry. This variety also includes glamour photography where the subject is dresses according to a theme. Glamour portraits highlight the romantic version or the sex appeal of a person where the emphasis is on the accessories, clothing style and makeup.
Lifestyle portrait
Lifestyle is a blend of environmental and candid photography where the style of living of a person is beautifully depicted. Lifestyle portraits are widely used for family pictures which are clicked with candid expressions in a natural setting. Such pictures focus on the emotions or expressions of the subjects where the phrase, “a picture is worth a thousand words” fits perfectly. Aside from family portraits, lifestyle portraits can be easily spotted in the wedding, food and fashion photography.
Abstract portrait
Portraits are a brilliant way to depict abstract art in its original form. Abstract portraits solely focus on art showcasing and not on the representation of a person, such as in traditional photography. This is a unique form of portrait photography which can be spotted in various museums and art exhibitions. Aside from abstract, some other unique types of a portrait which might interest you are conceptual portraits and surreal portraits.
Body shot portraits
Various wedding photography packages include body shot portraits. Such portraits vary on the intensity of the frame used.
Close up- The shot which is clicked form a very close distance in which the full face is not covered is a close-up portrait. In such shots, the focus is on a specific part of the face or some other object.
Mid shot- In mid-shot portraits, the picture is clicked till the waist with a stunning background. In case you are willing to get your face clicked only, then that would be upper mid-shot portrait.
Full body shot- A common type of portrait, a full body shot covers the whole body and takes the background in consideration as well.
While there are no certain boundaries which limit the extent of portrait photography, opting for one of the above-mentioned varieties could help provide some guidelines for a great shoot. Take your pick wisely and reap the benefits of a brilliant portrait photography assignment.