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Types of Portraits - Candid, Posed, Formal, Couple, Environmental, Sporting, Children, Group

When we speak of portrait photography in general terms there's a tendency to overlook the sub-categories. From the strictly formal to the candid street shot. Here is a range of the more common types of portrait photography.

*      Candid (subject unaware) 
Typically a travel shot but may also include street or café photography 


*   Candid (subject aware)
The subject has become aware of the presence of you and your camera 

*   Posed
May be a progression of the above. By posed, it simply means that the photographer has communicated with the subject by words or body language that they desire a change of body position or expression. Posing simply means whatever the photographer gets the subject to do in front of the camera.

 

Dog Portrait: Applecross - 2003
 

*   Formal
A formal portrait is normally planned out. Communication between photographer and subject regarding clothing, location, style and mood has been discussed. The photographer may have approached the subject or the client may have commissioned the photographer. eg Business portrait, a birthday or a glamour portrait 


*   Couple
The challenge for the photographer is to interpret the relationship between the two people. eg the physical attachment of mother and baby, the attraction between an engaged couple or the camaraderie between two stage performers. 

Tip: The lens should be approximately the same level as the subject's eyes.

 

*   Small Group
A small group would be three to seven people. The photographer's task is to portray the common bond existing between members of the group. eg Bonding of family members, the solidarity and strength of Members of the Board or the uniforms in a sporting team.

 

*   Large Group
A large group could be anywhere from ten to several hundred. Typically, these days a wedding party will request a group shot of all guests. The photographer is challenged more with human and technical logistics than aesthetic considerations. A high viewpoint is an advantage. An assistant with a friendly and persuasive manner is also helpful. eg School groups, sporting teams and wedding groups.

 

*   Environmental
An environmental portrait shows the subject(s) in their own territory. The subject's environment tells us as much or more about the subject than the facial features and pose. eg The gardener in their garden, the woodcarver in their shed with all the lathes and tools or the person in their favourite room, office or den with the trappings that tell part of the story.

 

*   Sporting
A sporting portrait is different to an action sports shot. The sporting portrait shows the subject with their uniform, equipment in their sporting environment. It can be taken before or after an event or at a separate time altogether. The important factor is to let the equipment and location tell part of the story. eg Soccer player with ball in front of goals, swimmer with goggles, bathers, sunscreen on water's edge, cyclist resting on bicycle with winding road behind.

 

*   Children
Portraits of children are very popular with parents, particularly when the child is young and more so with first born children. The portraits normally fit into the categories of posed or candid aware.There are specialist skills involved with photographing children. Many a frustrated photographer and crying child are testimony to that!

 

Tips for children: Talk to children at their level. Work at the same physical level. Carry with you one or two toys that are attention grabbers, Use props (eg tricycle) to stabilise front and back movement. Be prepared to shoot  very quickly. Remove the parents and relatives to a location a safe distance away and give them a nice cup of tea!