Portrait photography is a technique that is often used to highlight a subject. It involves working on the foreground and background, as well as the lighting, to capture the essence of the moment, which is essential for creating the perfect portrait.
It's good news! A portrait isn't technically complex to produce most of the time, but you need to emphasise your subject, make sure it's strong and takes up all the attention in the image, with intensity.
For me, the first step is to choose a background that highlights the model, separating them from their surroundings and creating an intimate, personal atmosphere. The shoot can be done in the studio or outside, exploring different locations to show off the model. For my part, I prefer to explore outdoor locations in order to play with the environment, the colours and the model, creating natural shots.
Secondly, lighting is a crucial element in photography and in highlighting the subject. The choice of light source, whether natural or artificial, transforms the overall mood of the photo. We can play with light to highlight the features of a face, create shadows, play with contrasts in the foreground and background, etc.
The purpose of a portrait photo? To create an emotional connection
Each photographer has his or her own vision of portrait photography and will bring his or her own vision and artistry to each shot. Each shot is a canvas on which the artist paints with light, capturing the essence of the subject and creating an intimate connection with the audience.
Photography is about creating precious memories, not just images, but a personal, touching and priceless capture. They represent moments frozen in time, smiles and expressions that will last for generations, preserving the emotional bond between family members. These portraits become heirlooms, testimony to our history and identity.
There are different types of portrait photography :
- Traditional portrait
- Lifestyle portrait
- Environmental portrait
- Street portrait
- Beauty portrait
- Art portrait
In short, portrait photography is much more than just taking a picture. It's a universal language that speaks directly to our hearts and minds. It embodies emotion, memory and identity, transcending the barriers of time. This art form invites us to explore the very essence of being human and to connect with a multitude of emotions. By creating this emotional connection, portrait photography remains an essential pillar of our modern culture and society, and will continue to inspire and move generations to come.