Portrait Photography

There is so much that can be said about Portrait Photography, that I am overwhelmed just thinking about it, and how to whittle it down for quick consumption.  Between lighting, metering, composition, posing, portrait lenses, backdrops, etc. etc., your head can explode.

It is advisable to choose a photographer who understands the requirements of good portrait work, whether using natural or studio lighting, because it really isn't just about picking up a camera and taking a shot.  There is a science behind a good portrait photograph, and it has to do with the relationship between all the elements mentioned above.

That being said, I am going to focus on two environmental portraits (lifestyle portraiture) taken in the summer on the same day in two different settings.  The first was taken in outdoor light.

Environmental portraits are the best way to go when kids are involved with pets.  Capturing both in their own, comfortable space more often than not gives better results than staged studio portraits.  This particular photo was taken well after the pup chased the ball about 15 times and the child ran around after the ball, and the dog, until she felt a break was needed.  A reflector was used, camera right and below to get rid of a green reflection from the tree they were sitting under.  The pose was natural and fell from the activity (or lack of it) at the time.

Here's the same child, different animal, inside.

The light here is natural only, coming from a large window, camera left, a window behind the chair, and a window camera right.  The sun was streaming in through the window on the left.  Attention to white balance is important to ensure the deep yellow cast of the room does not fall on the child's skin, unless that is the effect you are looking for.  Again, a natural pose, not staged, in a comfortable environment.

Both portraits give you insight into the life of the child.

I do many dog and cat portraits, some in their natural environments and some in studio.  Because I used two photos I did in the summer above, here is a studio portrait done recently as part of a Loving Memories session for a Dad and his dog.  You can see the dramatic difference in the studio lighting, and the story told by the photo is one of deep love.  I usually hold it together pretty well during Loving Memories sessions, but this one was difficult for me, because the subject let me into his life in a very real way with this particular portrait.

While I specialize in pet photography, I love capturing pets AND their people.  My goal is to provide a lasting portrait memory.  It is the culmination of the years I have put into learning the craft, in a moment of time dedicated to the client, and serving them in the best way possible.

The subject this week is Portraits, and my guess is the blog circle will have lovely things for us to see.  So head there right now, starting with Angela Schneider of Noses & Toes Pet Photography in Spokane, WA, and North Idaho.  Have a great weekend!