Portrait Photography
Portrait photography reflects who the specific model is as a person, as well as the emotions they are experiencing. Through the use of expressions, props and poses, you are able to capture the identity of a person through a portrait photograph. To achieve this, the use of background, posing, lighting and atmosphere has to be complimentary to the individual in the photos.
When taking a photo of an individual, you want them to feel comfortable and for them to be themselves. May it be in a studio space or elsewhere, the location of the shoot is very important because you do not want the background to take away from the focus on the model. Say you are in a studio space, and the model is wearing darker clothing, or the lighting is soft, you may want to use a white backdrop so that there is a contrast created and the model is brought forward in the photo creating depth. This draws more focus onto the model overall in the finished photos. However, if there is harsh and cold lighting, a darker backdrop would work well because it will add to the darker sense of feeling the lighting is portraying. The background overall can either submerge the model in the photo and take away that focus, or it can be a contrast to the model bringing them to the forefront of the photos. By the backdrop complimenting the models, this adds to their own identity because it will emphasise the emotion in the photos. It will look more like the model is meant to be there, therefor creating a natura; and calm look.
Furthermore, the emotions within the photo depend a lot on the personality the individual has, or if it is a planned emotions like for a film poster or advertisement. Often with portrait photography, the model is portraying their own emotions which is a part of their identity. Emotions are easily captured when their face is the main focus of the photo. This is because facial expressions are easily recognisable and this will give the initial impression of the person in the photo to the audience. As well as expressions, the outfit and the way the models hold themselves says a lot about them as a person and their identity. We associate bright colours and big expressions and movements with a more happy and lively person, whereas if someone is more closed in and have subtle expressions, they can come across as shy. This is why expressions and the body positioning is so important, because everything in the photo needs to link so that the final outcome is obvious to the audience. The lighting can be linked to the emotions the model is showing. You can create harsh lighting so that there are shadows created by the natural contours of the face, this creates a darker and more serious emotion over the photo. You can also create soft lighting using reflective to shine the light onto which creates the soft lighting, this creates the happier and calmer emotion over photos. The lighting aids in the portrayal of the models identity.