Types of Photographic Portraits

by Joelle Steele

There are several different kinds of photographic portraits, and one – maybe more – is just right for you. Each has the ability to depict a subject’s unique personality.

Studio Portrait. This is taken in a studio, with adjustable lighting, and a backdrop. The subject(s) is looking directly into the lens and is carefully posed to feature their best angle(s). In most cases, the subject(s) is sitting and it is a “head-and-shoulders” portrait. But, sometimes the subject(s) is sitting in an attractive chair and their entire body is visible. The subject(s) are usually dressed in their best or their formal attire.

Casual Portrait. This kind of portrait is taken somewhere outside of a studio. It can be in a living room, an office, a back yard, a park, the beach, the woods, etc. Lighting is used when necessary, and the subject(s) may or may not be posed. The dress code is almost always casual.

Glamour Portrait. This type of portrait generally requires the most planning because the object is to make the subject look as beautiful as possible. This means that wardrobe selection is critical, as is appropriate makeup and hair. Also important is the setting. A glamour shot can be taken in a studio, but it is more likely to take place in a subject’s home or some other location that they like.

Artistic Portrait. This kind of portrait can be taken almost anywhere and, in most cases, it is a combination of a studio portrait and a glamour portrait because it is meant to look like a work of art. To achieve that look, whether in a studio or elsewhere, lighting is used, wardrobe is carefully selected, makeup is necessary, and the subject is carefully – almost meticulously – posed. Sometimes the portrait will have the subject seated by a lake, holding flowers or a pet, or standing next to an animal. In most cases, the subject knows instinctively how they wish to be portrayed.

Group Portrait. These portraits can include anything from a couple to an entire family reunion. They take time to make because it is inevitable – particularly with children in the group – that someone will move or look away as soon as the shutter clicks. A group photo can be taken in a studio or anywhere that the group decides to be when their images are captured. It’s hard to convince a group of people to dress a certain way, so you get what you get in this type of photo, and that’s okay.

Last modified: 03/22/02.