From Candid to Staged: Different Styles of Portrait Photography
Portrait photography is the art of capturing the essence and personality of a subject through the lens of a camera. It can be traced back to the early days of photography when portrait paintings were replaced by photographic depictions. Over the years, portrait photography has evolved in style, technique and approach. From candid and natural to staged and posed, portrait photography has many different styles that have emerged throughout the years. In this article, we will explore the various styles of portrait photography and what sets them apart.
Candid Photography
Candid photography is often referred to as natural photography or photojournalistic style photography. This style involves capturing subjects in a completely natural, unposed or unplanned manner. The goal of the photographer is to capture the subject or subjects when they are unaware of the photographer’s presence. This results in a raw, genuine, and spontaneous photograph. Candid photography is popular in weddings, family portraits, and street photography.
In candid photography, the key elements are timing and perspective. A portrait photographer must capture the right moment and place themselves in the right angle and distance from the subject. This type of photography requires unobtrusive and spontaneous behavior from the photographer, with patience and an eye for detail.
Staged Photography
In contrast to candid photography, staged photography is pre-planned to achieve a particular outcome. It involves setting the scene, lighting, and posing the subject in a specific way to achieve a desired outcome. Staged photography is also referred to as traditional or classic portraiture. This style is popular in fashion, commercial and celebrity photography.
In staged photography, the photographers take the lead, instructing the subjects on how to pose and where to stand. The photographer has control over the subject’s posture, facial expression, and the light source. Staged photography requires a well-planned production, a solid understanding of light, color and composition.
Environmental Photography
Environmental photography is a type of portraiture that captures the subject in a context that reveals who they are or what they do. This style involves photographing the subject in their natural setting, which can be a home, a workplace, a cityscape, or a rural landscape. Environmental photography can be candid, staged or a mix of both.
In environmental photography, the goal is to create a narrative around the subject and their environment. The portrait photographer has to choose a location and setting that is representative of the subject’s persona. The lighting and composition are also important elements in this style of portraiture.
Conceptual Photography
In conceptual photography, the portrait photographer generates an idea, sets the scene and the subject is the actor that breathes life into the concept. It is a type of staged photography that involves creative direction, props and a narrative. Conceptual photography can be humorous, dramatic, or surreal, depending on the photographer’s creative vision.
In conceptual photography, the photographer works with the subject to convey a message, idea or emotion. It requires creativity, imagination, and technical skills. This style of portraiture can be challenging and requires attention to detail, planning and preparation.
Conclusion
Portrait photography has many different styles, each with its unique characteristics, challenges and purpose. From candid to staged, environmental to conceptual, portrait photography is an art form that requires technical skills, creativity, and the ability to connect with people. The style a photographer chooses to use will depend on the message they want to convey, the mood they want to evoke, and the subject’s personality. The beauty of portrait photography is that there is no one right way of doing it. It is up to the artist’s interpretation and execution, making each portrait session unique and special.