Are you looking to expand your portrait photography skills? If so, you’re in luck!
This post will introduce you to 16 different types of portrait photography.
Whether you’re aiming to capture a person’s essence or just take a snapshot, there’s a type of portrait photography for you.
So get ready to learn about some new techniques and try your hand at some new styles!
What is Portrait Photography?
Portrait photography is all about capturing the essence of a person. It can be done in a studio with professional lighting, or it can be a more candid shot taken on the fly.
Whether you’re trying to capture a person’s physical appearance or their personality, there are many different types of portrait photography to choose from.
16 Types of Portrait Photography
1. Traditional Portraits
A traditional portrait is a posed shot of a person or group of people.
The subject(s) will usually be looking directly at the camera, with a formal (or semi-formal) expression. Traditional portraits are often taken in studios, with professional lighting and background setups.
Traditional portraits are great for capturing a person’s physical appearance, and they can be very formal shots.
If you’re looking to take a traditional portrait, be sure to have your subject(s) dress in their best clothes and prepare for a bit of posing.
Traditional portraits are often used for things like family photos, graduation pictures, or headshots.
2. Candid Portraits
A candid portrait is a shot of a person (or group of people) that is taken without them knowing it.
Candid portraits can be taken in public places, like at the park or on the street, or they can be more personal shots taken in someone’s home.
Candid portraits are great for capturing a person’s natural expression and personality.
If you’re looking to take a candid portrait, be sure to be stealthy! You don’t want your subject to catch you taking their picture, or the shot will lose its candor.
A great way to incorporate a candid image is to take photographs of your subject during a photo session when they aren’t ready for a photo.
For example, you could tell them you’re going to take a photo but then tell a quick joke that catches them off-guard.
While they are smiling/laughing at the joke, take the photo.
Candid portraits are often used for things like street photography, event photography, or family photos.
3. Environmental Portraits
An environmental portrait is a shot of a person (or group of people) that includes their surroundings.
Environmental portraits can be taken inside or outside, and the location should help to tell the story of the subject(s).
Environmental portraits are great for showing a person in their natural element and giving some context to their story.
If you’re looking to take an environmental portrait, be sure to choose a location that is significant to your subject.
Environmental portraits are often used for things like profile pictures, business headshots, or family photos.
4. Posed Portraits
A posed portrait is a shot of a person (or group of people) that is taken after they have been given some direction on how to pose.
Posed portraits can be taken in studios or on location, and the subject(s) will usually be looking directly at the camera.
Posed portraits are great for capturing a person’s physical appearance and getting them to strike a specific pose. If you’re looking to take a posed portrait, be sure to give your subject some direction on how to pose.
Posed portraits are often used for things like family photos, graduation pictures, or headshots.
5. Headshots
A headshot photo is a specific type of portrait that is taken from the shoulders up.
Headshots are usually taken in studios, with professional lighting and background setups.
Headshots are great for capturing a person’s physical appearance and their facial expressions.
If you’re looking to take a headshot, be sure to have your subject dress in their best clothes and prepare for a bit of posing.
Headshots are often used for things like business headshots, actor headshots, or model portfolios.
6. Full-Body Portraits
A full-body portrait is a shot of a person (or group of people) that includes their entire body.
Full-body portraits can be taken in studios or on location, and the subject(s) will usually be posed in some way.
Full-body portraits are great for capturing a person’s physical appearance and their clothing.
If you’re looking to take a full-body portrait, be sure to have a good lens and have your subject prepare for a bit of posing.
Full-body portraits are often used for things like family photos, graduation pictures, or lifestyle photos.
7. Street Portraits
A street portrait is a shot of a person (or group of people) that is taken without their permission and in a public place.
Street portraits can be candid or posed, and they are often taken with a long lens to avoid being caught.
Street portraits are great for capturing a person’s natural expression and personality. If you’re looking to take a street portrait, be sure to be stealthy and avoid being caught.
Street portraits also often fall under the genre of street photography.
8. Fine Art Portrait
A fine art portrait is a shot of a person (or group of people) that is taken in a studio or on location with the intention of it being exhibited as a piece of art.
Fine art portraits can be candid or posed, and they are often taken with a specific aesthetic in mind. Fine art portraits also fall under the genre of fine art photography.
Fine art portraits are great for capturing a person’s physical appearance and personality and adding on an artistic feel to the image that would mimic the aesthetic of a painting.
If you’re looking to take a fine art portrait, be sure to have your subject dress in their best clothes and prepare for a bit of posing.
The people who often ask for fine art portraits are models, actors, or anyone who wants a high-quality, artistic portrait for their portfolio (although anyone can get one if they choose to).
9. Boudoir Portrait
A boudoir portrait is a shot of a person (usually a woman) that is taken in a private space with the intention of it being intimate and sensual.
Boudoir portraits can be candid or posed, and they are often taken with the subject’s clothing partially removed. Boudoir portraits also fall under the genre of boudoir photography.
Boudoir portraits are great for capturing a person’s physical appearance and sensuality.
If you’re looking to take a boudoir portrait, be sure to have your subject dress in their best clothes (or lack thereof) and prepare for a bit of posing.
Boudoir portraits are often used as gifts for spouses or significant others, or they can be exhibited as fine art portraits.
10. Pet Portraits
A pet portrait is a portrait of an animal (usually a dog or cat) that is taken in a studio or on location.
Pet portraits can be candid or posed, and they are often taken with the owner’s permission.
Pet portraits are great for capturing an animal’s physical appearance and personality. If you’re looking to take a pet portrait, be sure to have your subject (the animal) prepared and willing to cooperate.
Pet portraits are often used as gifts for animal lovers or as fine art portraits.
11. Lifestyle Portrait
A lifestyle portrait is a shot of a person (or group of people) that is taken in their natural environment.
Lifestyle portraits can be candid or posed, and they focus on capturing a person’s everyday life.
Lifestyle portraits are great for capturing a person’s personality and their way of life. Lifestyle portraits also fall under the genre of lifestyle photography.
For example, if you’re a doctor, a lifestyle portrait of you in your scrubs at the hospital would be great for your website or marketing materials.
If you’re a stay-at-home mom, a lifestyle portrait of you at home with your kids would be great for your family’s holiday cards.
If you’re looking to take a lifestyle portrait, be sure to have your subject(s) in their natural environment and prepared for a bit of posing.
Lifestyle portraits are often used for things like family photos, graduation pictures, or street portraits.
12. Glamour Portrait
A glamour portrait is a shot of a person (usually a woman) that is taken in a studio or on location with the intention of it being glamorous and sexy.
Glamour portraits can be candid or posed, and they are often taken with the subject’s clothing partially removed.
Glamour portraits are great for capturing a person’s appearance.
If you’re looking to take a glamor portrait, be sure to have your subject dress in their best clothes (or lack thereof) and prepare for a bit of posing.
13. Group or Family Portrait
A group or family portrait is a shot of a group of people (usually family members) that is taken in a studio or on location.
Group portraits can be candid or posed, and they are often taken with the intention of everyone looking their best.
If you’re looking to take a group portrait, be sure to have your subjects in their best clothes and prepared for a bit of posing.
Group portraits are often used as gifts for family members or as fine art portraits.
14. Wedding Portrait
A wedding portrait is an image of the bride and groom that is taken on the day of their wedding.
Wedding portraits can be candid or posed, and they are often taken with the intention of the couple looking their best.
Wedding portraits are great for capturing a bride and groom’s physical appearance and their love for each other.
If you’re looking to take a wedding portrait, be sure to have the couple in their best clothes and prepared for a bit of posing.
Wedding portraits are often used as gifts for the couple’s family or as personal use.
15. Engagement Portrait
An engagement portrait is a shot of the bride and groom that is taken after they have become engaged but before their wedding day.
Engagement portraits can be candid or posed, and they are often taken with the intention of the couple looking their best.
Engagement portraits are great for capturing a bride and groom’s physical appearance and their love for each other.
If you’re looking to take an engagement portrait, be sure to have the couple in their best clothes and prepared for a bit of posing.
Engagement portraits are often used for personal use and to share with friends and family.
16. Surreal Portrait
A surreal portrait is a shot of a person (or group of people) that is taken in a studio or on location with the intention of it being surreal and otherworldly.
Surreal portraits can be candid or posed, and they are often taken with the use of props and special effects.
Surreal portraits are great for capturing a person’s (or group’s) imagination and creativity.
For example, if you want to take a surreal portrait of a group of people, you could have them all dressed in white and pose them in a field of tall grass.
Or, if you want to take a surreal portrait of an individual, you could have them dress in all black and stand in front of a bright, colorful background.
How to Choose a Type of Portrait Photography
Here are 5 steps to get started with choosing a type of portrait photography.
Tools
- Camera
- Lenses
- Lighting Source
- Tripod
- Editing Software
- Subject
Instructions
- Identify Your Interests and Passions: Reflect on your interests, passions, and what inspires you in the realm of portrait photography. Consider the types of people, subjects, or themes that resonate with you. Are you drawn to capturing the raw emotions of street portraits, the elegance of studio portraiture, the natural beauty of outdoor environmental portraits, or the intimacy of lifestyle photography? Understanding your personal preferences will help guide your decision.
- Research and Explore Different Styles: Conduct thorough research to familiarize yourself with various types of portrait photography. Study the works of renowned photographers in each genre, browse through online portfolios, photography books, and exhibitions. Take note of the visual aesthetics, techniques, lighting, and compositions used in each style. This exploration will help you discover the types that resonate with you and align with your artistic vision.
- Consider Your Skills and Resources: Evaluate your current skill set, technical knowledge, and available resources. Assess your proficiency in lighting, posing, and post-processing techniques specific to each type of portrait photography. Consider the equipment and space required for each genre. Assess whether you have access to the necessary tools or if you need to invest in additional gear or training.
- Define Your Target Audience: Determine the target audience or clients you wish to serve. Consider their demographics, preferences, and the type of portrait photography that best aligns with their needs. For instance, if you aspire to capture the joy and innocence of newborns, specializing in newborn photography would be a natural choice. Understanding your target audience will help you tailor your marketing efforts and services accordingly.
- Experiment and Refine Your Style: Once you have identified a few potential types of portrait photography, start experimenting and practicing in each genre. Schedule photo shoots with friends, family, or willing models to gain hands-on experience. This experimentation will not only help you develop your technical skills but also allow you to refine your unique style and approach. Pay attention to the feedback and reactions you receive from both subjects and viewers, as this will provide valuable insights into the types of portrait photography where you excel.
Final Remarks
In conclusion, there are many types of portrait photography. When deciding which type of portrait to take, be sure to consider the subject(s), the setting, and the overall mood or tone you want to capture.
With a little bit of planning, you can take portraits that are truly unique and memorable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a good portrait photo?
A good portrait photo captures the essence of the subject, conveying their personality, emotions, and story. It involves a strong connection between the photographer and the subject, thoughtful composition, proper lighting, and attention to details like facial expressions, body language, and background elements.
What is the most important thing in a portrait photograph?
The most important thing in a portrait photograph is the subject. It’s crucial to capture their essence, showcase their personality, and create a connection with the viewer through engaging facial expressions, compelling eyes, and authentic emotions.
Is it fine to specialize in multiple types of portrait photography?
Yes, it is perfectly fine to specialize in multiple types of portrait photography. Many photographers find joy and success in exploring various genres such as environmental portraits, studio portraits, lifestyle portraits, or even specific niches like maternity, newborn, or corporate portraits. Diversifying your skills can open up more opportunities, allow for creative growth, and cater to a wider range of clients and preferences.
Nate Torres is an entrepreneur, growth marketer, and photographer and writes mostly on those topics. Nate runs his own professional photography business and photography blog called Nate Torres Photography. Nate enjoys learning about new digital marketing strategy and new ways to think creatively. He is also a photography speaker and author on Photofocus.
