7 Different Types of Portraits You can Experiment With

Often, we reflect on our several lived moments and memories through photographs. They manage to capture our emotions and feelings and preserve them for us. While we grow older and lose out on our memory, photographs act as reminders of our experiences.

Irrespective of whether you prefer getting photographs taken, or you like taking them, we have seven portrait styles you sure want to experiment with.

Classical/Traditional

This type is the oldest form and exists since the advent of cameras. The basic purpose is to capture the facial expressions. Whether it is an individual portrait, couple portrait or a group portrait, the focus is on the subject(s) who is supposed to look straight into the camera. Earlier such portraits were overly posed and stiff, but they allow some degree of flexibility and relaxation to the subject nowadays.

Environmental Portrait

Many portraits are taken in places where the subject stays, works, or frequently visits. These are basically the natural environments of the subjects and reflect their character. So, whether it is an employee in an office or a doctor in a hospital, these portraits are categorised as environmental portraits.

Candid Portrait

In the above two types, subjects are fully aware of the photographer’s lens and may actually pose for the camera. In case of a candid portrait, the subject is completely unaware of the camera. These photographs capture raw and in-the-moment happenings. Such a style is most often employed in street photography, blogging, traveling, events, etc.

Lifestyle Portrait

As the name reflects, lifestyle photography presents the ‘style of life’ of the subjects. It is like a combination of environmental and candid types, wherein the place and setting are controlled but the subject is asked not to over-pose or be conscious of the camera per se. This type of portrait is used for storytelling, in magazine covers and advertisements, etc. as they give a peek into the real-life experience of the subjects, making the audience connect with them.

Glamour Portrait

Glamour photography is mainly used for photoshoots to enhance the subject’s natural features, so the photograph looks attractive. The photographer completely controls and exploits the angle, lighting and background to deliver the best shot.

Surreal Portrait

Sometimes photographs capture not only the visible, but also the intangible and invisible. Surreal portraits attempt to capture this ‘other’ reality that our imagination or subconscious mind perceives. The same is made possible through various camera tricks, special effects, and editing.

Conceptual Portrait

Apart from moments and emotions, photographs can be intelligently used to spread awareness or reflect on a concept. These types of photographs can be basic but convey a specific message. Although these photographs may be clicked to tell a certain story, they remain open to different interpretations by the viewers.

These seven styles of portraits can produce interesting photographs for different purposes. There are many professional photographers who specialise in different types of portrait photography in southern highlands and can assist you with indoor, outdoor, or studio shoots. Do not forget to compare your photographer choices based on their track record, experience and reputation to get the most out of your photoshoot.