By Justine Miller

A portrait, also called a portraiture, is a photograph focusing on a person or small group's facial expression while they are in a still position. The personality, moods and likeness of the person or persons emerge out. Portrait photography doesn't always have to be just a face within a photograph--the entire body & the background can be included also. When shooting a portrait photo the person or group is usually looking straight into the lens.

Non-professional models are used for portrait photography, unlike other styles of the art. Some examples of portrait photography are graduations, special events, and weddings and are usually displayed in private homes. Many are done on studio with several backgrounds to select from.

A Bit of History

People have been using portrait photography ever since the invention of the camera. It was, & is more inexpensive way then having your portrait painted and it is a more available method. Natural light was used from an open window & people would sit against the background. Portrait photography can now be more creative with the way technology has evolve since they can adjust light and move around more.

Methods Of Light

A professional photographer has complete control over the lighting when taking portrait photographs in a studio. They can change the direction & the intensity. Different lighting terms are kicker lights, fill lights, background lights and the main light.

The main light is the primary light source. The main light is generally positioned above or below the subject and at a 45-degree angle.The main light can create shadows so the fill light helps to eliminate them. The kicker light is the light that brightens up the hair of a subject. This will help to add depth & to show the separation from the subject and the background. A Background light brightens the background & can add effects to the backdrops.

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