Education

Portrait Photography Styles Explained

May 15, 2022

When it comes to hiring a photographer you don’t just want to go with anyone. Each photographer will specialize in a niche and favor a certain style when they shoot. If you want something more traditional you wouldn’t want a photographer that prefers to shoot documentary styled shoots. This tends to be an overlooked factor when it comes to hiring the right photographer and understanding the different styles will help you better when looking for your perfect photographer.

The Basic Styles of Portrait Photography

  • Traditional

Traditional portraits are classic images where the main subjects are poised and fully aware of the camera. They can be formal for more professional images or informal for senior, kids, or head shot portraits.

  • Environmental

These types of portraits are the most common for business professionals. Environmental portrait photography captures the person in their natural environment. Whether that is in the kitchen of a restaurant, behind the desk at the office or in a large forest. These images are  planned out and often staged to allow for the surroundings to enhance a characteristic of the main subject.

  • Candid

Candid portraits are taken in the moment and are very similar to journalistic shooting. Typically the subject is not aware that their images are being taken with little to no interference from the photographer. Candid portraits are often common during events or weddings. These images tend to capture the more natural emotions of the subject and surroundings.

Washington DC Senior Session at National Mall and Lincoln Memorial by Costola Photography
  • Glamour

Glamour portraits are more stylized focusing on the physical appearance of the subject. These types of images usually have a team on hand and various lighting setups and equipment. Glamour shots tend to give off a more romantic appeal.

  • Lifestyle

Lifestyle is the most common type of portrait for editorials, fashion, family, engagement, and weddings. These portraits capture the sense of living style from the subjects. Lifestyle portraits can often be a combination of other styles like environment and candid.

Maryland In Home Family Session by Costola Photography

Comments +

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

about costola

meet andie

At home near the sea. Ever-focused on beauty and the thrilling art of creation; found in the moments that leave me breathless and in awe. 

After 15 years of capturing couples and families during the most precious times of their lives, she can truly say that this is exactly where she is meant to be. When she isn't photographing weddings, Andie enjoys the outdoors alongside her husband, Tony and daughters, Ava & Audrey.

FROM THE BLOG

THE LATEST

CENTRAL PARK Engagement

National Portrait Gallery Wedding

private estate wedding

Eastern Shore family Session

five

         tips for a stress free session

Portrait Sessions can be stressful, but if you arrive with a few tricks in your bag, you’ll come away with portraits that perfectly capture what family is all about.

WP to LinkedIn Auto Publish Powered By : XYZScripts.com