Portraits

The Headshot/Bust Length

Full Length

Person in their Environment

Self Portrait

Documentary

Commercial

Fashion

Fine Art

Things to Consider

Backlighting

Culture

Proximity

The Serious Portrait

Movement

Exposure

Exposure

Pose

Props

Reflections

Shadows

Tell a Story

Texture

Portrait Lighting

One Light from Front

One Light from Side

One Light with Reflector

Two Lights-Face and Hair

Three Lights-Face, Hair, Background

Outdoor Lighting-Sun and Reflector

Outdoor Lighting-Backlight from sun and fill flash

Window Light

How dark it is inside and how bright it is outside dictates how extreme the lighting looks

Portraits and Distortion

• A wide angle (short focal length) lens can create distortion if you get close to your model

• Wide angle lenses can also make your model uncomfortable because you will be very close to them as you photograph

• You have to decide whether this distortion is wanted or necessary