Location portraits are one of the best ways for creating beautiful images for family and friends or professionally. Many budding photographers lack a clear understanding of what these portraits are and how to successfully use this effect.
Have you heard the term ‘location’ or ‘environmental’ style of portrait and wondered exactly what was meant? A location portrait is, very simply stated, a shot that is taken anywhere but in a studio setting. This environment where your subject is located could be their office, living room, a garden or even a bakery. Since your family and friends are probably often the subjects of your pictures, start using these locations to tell a richer story about them.
Your next step is to find a suitable location. Depending on how well you know your subject, talk to them about their hobbies and interests. What do you know of their personality? The key to a really good portrait is your ability to tell the viewer something extra about the subject. Placing them in a specific location helps do this. A good example is the senior portrait pose where the subject is wearing a sports uniform or letter jacket. Get the idea? These are the simple cues that speak without using any words.
Location portraiture will make you consider other factors that are not an issue when in a studio setting. Take your background for example. In the studio, it is typically very simple. You must now pay extra attention to what is going on in the scene behind your subject and correct for items which may be a distraction. Don’t try to include to much detail in these shots. Simplify and emphasize your subject and the rest will follow. Another big factor when shooting on location is control of your lighting. Pay attention to your aperture and shutter speeds. You may be working only with available light and trying to capture your subject in motion.
If you are working outside, you will want to keep direct sunlight off your subject as this creates bright highlights and deep shadows which are not desirable. If you don’t have access to a well manicured garden, a simple bush or tree, if used properly, can work well as the background. Try looking for interesting architectural features to help frame your subject. Staircases, book shelves, fancy doorways and windows are a few things to keep an eye out for. Give your subject something to hold on to or otherwise do with their hands while you’re shooting. Most people don’t readily know what to do with them so it can look awkward sometimes. Finally, keep your overall lighting simple. Make sure you use sounds photography lighting techniques for whatever method is appropriate.
You should now have a better understanding of how to use your subject’s surroundings to help the viewer relate that to more of who they are. If you have a digital camera and want to take your abilities to the next level, check out the Internet for digital photography lessons and other photography courses online. You can find excellent programs for very reasonable prices.
Thomas Luttig is a freelance professional photographer and business owner. You can find lots of great landscape photography tips, studio lighting techniques and much more in-depth information at his photography blog.
