Special feature: Portrait photography Intro

Special Feature: Portrait photography

Mark Chamberlain LPSNZ

What is a portrait? The dictionary definition is “a painting, drawing, photograph or engraving of a person, especially one depicting only the face or head and shoulders.” We all probably agree on this, but there are further nuances.

Portrait photography differs from reportage or candid street photography because there is a relationship between the subject and the photographer. For a photograph to be considered a portrait, the subject must be aware that they are being photographed. The relationship can be fleeting. ‘Can I take your picture, please?’ may suffice. Contact and a brief relationship are established. In contrast, there is no relationship between the subject and photographer in candid street photographs of people.

In this issue, two expert portrait photographers from PSNZ explain the relationship between subject and photographer in detail. One of our distinguished contributors, Scott Fowler FPSNZ EFIAP EPSA GPSA, goes further and explains that portrait photographs often say more about the photographer's soul or personality than the subject person.

Other basic pertinent questions relevant to portrait photography:

1) Should portrait photographs be only of the head and shoulders, or can the picture include the entire body and the background environment? All are acceptable. The background may be especially relevant, showing the person in the context of their workplace or a story. For a close-up photograph, the background shouldn’t distract.

2) Is eye contact essential in a portrait? For many photographers, the answer is not. Lack of eye contact with the subject gazing into the distance or towards an object can strengthen the photograph. Lack of eye contact may also add a feeling of vulnerability to a portrait. Regardless, the eyes or closest eye should remain in sharp focus.

Our two expert contributors give further tips and advice.

Scott Fowler, a portrait photographer and PSNZ Fellow, has run many courses over the years for the benefit of PSNZ members. He explains his process of making beautiful creative portrait photographs from concept to capture.

Paul Willyams APSNZ AFIAP MNZIPP, a long-established member of PSNZ and award-winning portrait photographer, gives expert advice on taking portrait photographs.

Flying dress - Scott Fowler FPSNZ EFIAP EPSA GPSA