Let’s talk about portrait photography. This falls into several categories, the only rule being the focus on an individual’s face as the subject. Let’s separate portrait photography into its different applications.
Headshot photography
Headshots are an actor or model’s calling card with the casting industry. A good headshot will show the talent at their best, radiating a positive attitude and energy.
This kind of shot is not stylized and is usually minimalist and free of clutter, to keep the emphasis on the individual’s appearance on camera, and not on this particular photograph.
The casting process is fast, and agents, directors, and producers only have a few seconds with your headshot, so a clean and simple shot is best.
Effective wardrobe is important for headshots, and finding the best colour and fit for yourself before the shoot or bringing several options to choose from can greatly improve results.
A strong pattern or overly bright or skin-tone matching top can distract from your face. The lighting for headshots is usually soft, flat, and flattering.
Overly dynamic and moody lighting can be effective with your particular look, but is not suitable for the casting process, and is best left for the creative shoots.
Corporate and business portraits photography
Corporate and business portraits are used by companies to humanize themselves and embody their values through visual means.
A professional image will show that you are serious about promoting yourself and representing your business.
Working with facial expression, posture, and body language, as well as location and staging, actually all come into play when shooting these portraits that would otherwise be uncreative.
With all these visual tools at their disposal, photographers can provide a business the specific images they need for their specific goals.
Some kinds of businesses require only a simple headshot, while others may benefit from extensive documentary-style snapshots to show their identity.
Usually the business portrait is about communicating trust, and making themselves appear as relatable as possible.
This can come in the form of confident posture, a genuine smile, or by being in the presence of a recognizable local landmark.
Model portrait photography
Model portfolio portraits refers to the creation of a creative portfolio of images to use as a calling card or when finding representation, for an aspiring or established model.
Since the goal of a good portfolio is to make one stand out and be memorable, this type of photoshoot is the place for creativity.
The process of portfolio photoshoots differs from the one for business or headshot shoots.
The goal here is to loosely treat the model as subject and explore what makes something interesting to the eye.
The model portfolio shoot is usually free creatively, and the photographer and the model discuss a direction among themselves.
If the photographer has a creative direction, they will take apart their idea and realize everything that is necessary to bring it to life.
A lot more than just a camera could be used to create a unique look for the shoot, as opposed to the more straight forward approach to business and headshot portraits, from props to sets, and balancing these effectively is the task of the professional.
About
At Tabooo we believe the human face is arguably the most expressive element of nature, making portrait photography effectively the best use of a camera.
Whether it is immortalizing your band in style on concert night, producing a few expressive looks to show the casting director to get your next role, or showcasing a new makeup line on an elegant face, portrait photography is everywhere.
Human faces are all different, with their own beauty and unique traits ready to shine, they just need to be captured in the right way. Capturing faces well involves a lot more than treating these subjects like you would a product shot.
We understand all of the elements that go into getting that ideal moment of expression onto a person’s face. For the aesthetic, the angle is important, as each face can look different from the same point of view.
Lighting is important, and understanding how the same light might fall differently on two different faces. Arguably the most important element, however, is how the photographer approaches and interacts with their subject or model to achieve an expression that will produce an emotional response.
We have experience with both the technical and psychological aspects of portraiture, to ensure nothing is compromised in achieving the shot you are going for.