Definition of portrait:

A painting, drawing, photograph, or engraving of a person, especially one depicting only the face or head and shoulders.

A representation or impression of someone on film.

Denoting a format of printed matter which is higher than it is wide.

A portrait is defined as a likeness of a person, especially of the person’s face. A photographic portrait is understood to be a good quality image that not only captures a person’s physical likeness but also something of the person’s character.

CAPTURING CHARACTER

Character is by definition the combination of qualities or features that distinguishes one person, group, or thing from another

To capture character in a photograph consider the following:

• Personality
• Attitude
• Unique mannerisms, features, or traits of the person

Choose the environment

Carefully consider the environment in which you are taking the portrait.

The environment contributes positively or negatively to the surroundings and background quality of the photograph.

It may also contribute to building the character quality of the portrait.

Camera Angles

The angle at which you take the portrait can change the impression given by that person.

Try many different angles to capture different view points.

Ask yourself, which angle works best to capture that individual portrait requirements.

Low Angle Portraits

• Can make a person look taller, or seem as if they are more powerful
• Not very flattering for most people (the body appears larger than the head and face)
• Often used for portraits of presidents, athletes and leaders

High Angle Portraits

• Will emphasize the face more than the body
• Can help the subject appear slimmer
• Can make the person appear smaller and create a feeling of vulnerability

Eye-Level Portraits

• The most common camera angle used in portrait photography
• Can make the viewer feel like he or she is in the same space as the subject

Canted Angle Portraits

• The camera is tilted to one side so that the picture plane is no longer parallel to the horizon
• Can create a feeling of excitement, imbalance, transition and instability

Natural Light

Pros:

• Beautiful overall light that cannot be achieved in a studio environment
• Beautiful background and surroundings that cannot be accomplished in a studio (e.g. a garden or an interesting building)
• It’s free and accessible to everyone
• It’s simple – you don’t have to learn how to use studio lighting equipment

Cons:

• You do not have full control over the lighting conditions
• Weather conditions can often be unpredictable

Artificial Light

Pros:

• Total control of the lighting situation
• Combine many light sources along with other equipment to create the desired effect.
• Don’t have to worry about the weather
• The environment can be created and left for endless periods of time
• Can be photographed at any time of the day
• It’s a private environment

Cons:

• Does not have the benefits of natural light such as overall soft lighting
• Desired lighting effects requires more work and technical knowledge
• More expense to have necessary equipment and to maintain a studio space

Project Requirements

1. Photograph at least 2 different subjects of differing ages.
2. Shoot 30 images for each person.
3. Images must use shallow depth of field. Use your camera's largest f-stop (f/2.8 for example) and be sure to exaggerate shallow depth of field by zooming in.
4. Images should capture the character, personality or uniqueness of the subject.
5. Correct 6 (3 of each person) + contact sheets