World Image Magazine Issue 31 April 2016 | Page 24

Although most people do not consider themselves portrait photographers, and yet we all do it without thinking. The style of a picture depends on the style of the person being photographed and the desired end result. The difference between these folks and the ‘Portrait Photographer’ is the thought processes behind the picture. At this point I come up against a particular problem in that I have not taken a ‘family snap’ in 40 years. The nearest I can get is this pictures of Poppy. This is an informal portrait of my friend Darinda who was sadly killed a few weeks after this was taken, It is using available light and the informality is heightened by the purse and bag that were left in the image. Even this has some thought behind it, but I did not worry about the rose twigs behind her, (they were outside). Taking Personable Portraiture a step further and we get the formal portrait. These are as varied in style as the photographers who take them, no one style is either right or wrong, well almost. Website = www.worldimagemag.com The thought process here was in the lighting and the way the shadows played on the face, and the desire to keep that ‘off to the shops’ appearance. But once we get past the standard styles of portraiture, there are many others that can be explored. Some portraits tell a story while others inspire the imagination. Some are taken to advertise or promote, then there is the glamour and not so glamorous. Page 24 email = [email protected]