INTRODUCTION TO BASIC PEOPLE PHOTOGRAPHY
CREATIVE CLASS NINE
INTRODUCTION TO PEOPLE PHOTOGRAPHY
The Invisible Power of the Portrait: Why We Can’t Afford to Overlook Its Impact
By now,you’ve mastered the art of f-stops, played with the magic of golden hours, and made friends with shadows. But have you ever stopped to think about the sheer weight of the responsibility resting on your shoulders when you make that portrait?
Because, and this is important, portraits aren’t just about capturing a moment or a mood; they’re about shaping commerce and society. Bold claim? Let’s dive in.
Remember the first time you looked at Steve Jobs’ iconic black-and-white portrait by Albert Watson? It wasn’t just a portrait—it was an emblem, a visual representation of innovation and tenacity.
That’s the power of a portrait.
They’re not just stills; they’re stories.
They’re the silent narrators of the brand or the figure they represent.
1. The Commercial Kingdom and Its Heroes
In commerce, a portrait is more than just a visual. It’s an entry ticket into the psyche of a potential consumer. Think of the last ad you saw for a high-end watch. Was it merely a watch on a plain background? Or was there a model, an ambassador, wearing it, embodying the prestige and elegance the watch claims to offer?
It’s no accident that brands pump millions into ambassador deals. They recognize that humans are naturally inclined to connect with other humans. The right portrait can elevate a product from being ‘just another thing on the shelf’ to something aspirational, something to be desired. You, the photographer, are entrusted with that transformation.
2. Societal Mirrors
Beyond commerce, portraits hold a societal mirror, reflecting and often shaping cultural narratives. Take Annie Leibovitz’s portrait of John Lennon and Yoko Ono. It’s not just a photograph; it’s a timestamp of an era, capturing love, vulnerability, and controversy all in one frame.
Portraits have the unique ability to stir conversations. They challenge, inspire, or even irk society. They become catalysts for dialogues, from body positivity to breaking stereotypes. You’re not just pressing a shutter; you’re initiating a discourse.
3. The Web of Trust
In today’s digital age, where trust is a rare commodity, a genuine portrait can be the bridge between skepticism and trust. Online entrepreneurs, coaches, and influencers have recognized this. That’s why they invest in professional headshots and brand portraits. It’s their handshake with their audience, a silent promise of authenticity.
Every portrait is an opportunity—a chance to narrate a story, evoke emotion, and showcase their unique vision.
Portraiture: A Blend of Styles and Stories
From the cool, suave look of a corporate headshot to the gritty realness of a documentary portrait, every style has its own flavor, story, and technique.
1. Editorial Portraiture
Let’s start with my personal favorite, editorial portraiture. Imagine you’re flipping through Vogue or GQ. Those snazzy, high-fashion shots of celebrities lounging in unexpected locations or involved in some intense activity? Yep, that’s editorial.
What makes it different? Editorial portraiture tells a story. It’s not just about the subject, but the environment, the mood, the narrative. The portrait isn’t just of the person; it’s about the world around them. Think drama, think props, think mise-en-scène!
2. Corporate Portraiture
Switch gears to the crisp, clean realm of LinkedIn and company websites. Corporate portraiture, also known as the ‘business card’ of the digital world.
What sets it apart? Simplicity and professionalism. The focus is purely on the individual, often with a neutral backdrop. The goal? Radiate trustworthiness, expertise, and charisma. Suit up!
3. Environmental Portraiture
This is where context is king. Environmental portraiture showcases individuals in their natural habitats or workplaces. A baker amidst the warmth of their bakery, an artist lost in the chaos of their studio.
Why is it unique? The environment becomes a character in the story, adding depth and insight into the subject’s life and profession. It’s intimate, telling, and oh-so-real.
4. Candid Portraiture
Ah, the magic of spontaneity. Candid portraiture is all about capturing unscripted moments. There’s no ‘cheese’ here, just genuine emotions and actions.
What’s the catch? Timing! Being at the right place, at the right time, with a keen eye for those fleeting moments of raw emotion.
5. Glamour Portraiture
Bring out the Hollywood lights, the makeup, the hair, the drama! Glamour portraiture is about making the subject look and feel like a million bucks.
What sets the stage? It’s all about emphasizing beauty, allure, and a hint of fantasy. Think dreamy backdrops, lavish costumes, and that unmistakable glow.
6. Documentary Portraiture
Venture into the heart of real-life stories with documentary portraiture. This style captures people in real-world situations, often highlighting societal issues or personal narratives.
Its distinction? Authenticity. There’s no staging, no pretense. Just raw, untouched moments that speak volumes.
Wrapping Up
Whether you’re painting with light in an editorial shoot or diving deep into a subject’s world with a documentary style, remember this: every portrait is a world in itself. Each style is just a different language to tell a story, to capture a slice of humanity. So, next time you’re framing that shot, think about the tale you want to tell.
And always, always shoot from the heart.
Because while styles change, the essence of a true portrait remains—capturing the soul, one click at a time.
I have a ton of classes for you to learn from here.
Password for this class is: PeopleRock. PLEASE DO NOT SHARE.
MODULE 8
Creative Ideas:
PDF Books for You.
SOFTWARE:
Photoshop
GIMP
Affinity Photo
Pixelmator
InDesign
Affinity Publisher
Scribus
Adobe Illustrator
Affinity Designer
Premiere
Premiere Express
Canva
Adobe Express
CapCut
Adobe Firefly
Chat GPT
AudioPen
Hypefury
Typeshare
Figma
Milanote
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Our Facebook Page for sharing work and meeting peers. All are welcome.
PHOTO ASSIGNMENTS FOR YOU:
We want standout pieces that make any viewer go, “Woah, I need to know this photographer!”
Ready to go?
1. Candid Cafés: Bring your camera to a bustling café. Capture that barista’s focus, a writer’s daydream, or spontaneous laughter among friends. Candid gold!
2. Generations: Old meets young. Picture a wrinkled hand holding a baby’s soft palm, or a grandmother sharing tales with her grandchild. Timelessness in a frame.
3. Culture Capture: Dive deep into local traditions or festivals. Colorful dances, traditional outfits, or ancient rituals—it’s all about capturing the essence of culture.
4. Monochrome Moods: A full spectrum of emotions, but just in black and white. Challenge yourself to convey happiness, sadness, surprise, and contemplation without the crutch of color.
5. Dramatic Backlight: Play with silhouettes, sun flares, or halo effects using backlighting. Sunrise and sunset are your best buddies here.
6. The Artist & Their Art: Shoot an artist surrounded by their creations—be it a painter amidst vibrant canvases, a musician with their instrument, or a potter surrounded by ceramics.
7. Drench & Drama: Rain-soaked portraits! Maybe it’s a melancholic gaze amidst drizzles or unabashed dancing in a downpour. Waterproof gear is a plus!
8. Alter Egos: Tap into the fantastical. Ask subjects to channel their inner superheroes, villains, or mythological characters, and capture that transformation.
9. The Intimate Spaces: Portraits in personal spaces, like cozy bedrooms, cluttered workshops, or serene backyards. Show the personal side of subjects in settings they’re most themselves.
10. Natural Element: Wind, fire, water, or earth—choose an element and use it as the centerpiece. Think wind-tousled hair, candle-lit faces, or hands digging into the soil.
11. Abstract Portraiture: Time to think out-of-the-box. Capture reflections, shadows, or double exposures that hint at a portrait but leave room for interpretation.
12. Light Painting Portraits: Using long exposures and lights (like LEDs or even phones), paint around the subject to create otherworldly portraits. Dark rooms or open spaces at night work best.
Every portrait is an opportunity—a chance to narrate a story, evoke emotion, and showcase their unique vision.
10 ADDITIONAL ASSIGNMENTS
10 Portrait Assignments for the Detail-Obsessed Perfectionists
Alright, we’ve cruised through the basics; now it’s time to up the ante! If you are craving those intricate, challenging shoots that’ll means sweating the details (in a good way), you’re in the right place.
Let’s make that studio lighting work overtime!
1. The Retro Film Noir: Think high contrast, sharp shadows, and the moodiness of old detective movies. Fedora hats, trench coats, and a smoky ambiance will add that extra zing.
2. Hollywood Glam: Inspired by 1950s Hollywood—soft focus, glowing skin, and lavish costumes. Think Marilyn Monroe or Audrey Hepburn. Multiple light sources will be key here to get that perfect luminance.
3. Futuristic Fantasy: Neon lights, metallic makeup, and edgy costumes. Play with colored gels over lights to create a surreal, otherworldly atmosphere.
4. The Painterly Portrait: Emulate the look of classic paintings, like the works of Vermeer or Rembrandt. It’s all about soft, diffused lighting and meticulous attention to wardrobe and props.
5. Mirrors & Facets: Set up a maze of mirrors, prisms, or even crystal beads, reflecting and refracting light around your subject. This one’s tricky—every angle matters.
6. Underwater Elegance: If you can manage it, underwater portraits are mesmerizing. Flowy fabrics, bubbles, and the play of light through water—just ensure safety first!
7. Ethereal Glow: Use a combo of backlighting and diffusers to create an ethereal halo around your subjects. Bonus points for shooting during the “blue hour” for a naturally dreamy environment.
8. Dramatic Low-Key: Emphasize the mystery by focusing on minimal highlights—maybe just the eyes or the contour of the face, while the rest is engulfed in shadows.
9. Cosmic Portraits: Inspired by the cosmos. Utilize UV-reactive makeup, dark backdrops splattered with “stars”, and UV lights to make subjects look like celestial beings.
10. Multiplicity Magic: Create a portrait with multiple versions of the same subject in one frame. It’ll require precise planning, lighting consistency, and post-processing to merge images seamlessly.
A couple of things to remember:
- Prep is your best friend. The more planning beforehand, the smoother the shoot.
- Test shots are essential. Before the main shoot, take some test shots to perfect the lighting and composition.
- Patience is a virtue. These setups will be time-consuming, but oh, the results will be so worth it.
Challenge your students to not just focus on the technicalities but to also let their stories shine through. It’s about creating magic, one intricate detail at a time.
Here’s to pushing boundaries and creating some masterpieces!
KEY TAKEAWAYS
1. The Commercial Kingdom and Its Heroes:
– Portraits in commerce are more than just visuals, they are entry tickets into the psyche of potential consumers.
– Brands recognize that humans connect with other humans, and the right portrait can elevate a product to something aspirational.
2. Societal Mirrors:
– Portraits reflect and shape cultural narratives.
– They can stir conversations, challenge stereotypes, and inspire dialogue.
3. The Web of Trust:
– In the digital age, a genuine portrait can build trust between online entrepreneurs, coaches, and influencers and their audience.
– Professional headshots and brand portraits serve as a silent promise of authenticity.
4. Editorial Portraiture:
– Editorial portraiture tells a story by incorporating the environment, mood, and narrative.
– It captures high-fashion shots that evoke drama and create a sense of mise-en-scène.
5. Corporate Portraiture:
– Corporate portraiture focuses on simplicity and professionalism.
– It radiates trustworthiness, expertise, and charisma.
6. Environmental Portraiture:
– Environmental portraiture showcases individuals in their natural habitats or workplaces.
– The environment becomes a character in the story, adding depth and insight into the subject’s life and profession.
7. Candid Portraiture:
– Candid portraiture captures unscripted moments and genuine emotions.
– It requires impeccable timing and an eye for raw emotion.
8. Glamour Portraiture:
– Glamour portraiture emphasizes beauty, allure, and a hint of fantasy.
– It uses dreamy backdrops and lavish costumes to make the subject feel like a million bucks.
9. Capture reflections, shadows, or double exposures:
– Hint at a portrait but leave room for interpretation
– Explore creative techniques and experiment with different lighting
10. Light Painting Portraits:
– Use long exposures and lights to create otherworldly portraits
– Dark rooms or open spaces at night work best
11. The Retro Film Noir:
– Emulate the high contrast and moodiness of old detective movies
– Include fedora hats, trench coats, and a smoky ambiance
12. Hollywood Glam:
– Inspired by 1950s Hollywood with soft focus and glowing skin
– Utilize multiple light sources for perfect luminance
13. Futuristic Fantasy:
– Create a surreal, otherworldly atmosphere with neon lights and edgy costumes
– Play with colored gels over lights for added effect
14. The Painterly Portrait:
– Emulate the look of classic paintings with soft, diffused lighting
– Pay attention to wardrobe and props for a meticulous touch
15. Mirrors & Facets:
– Set up a maze of mirrors or prisms to reflect and refract light
– Every angle matters in capturing interesting shots
16. Underwater Elegance:
– Mesmerize with underwater portraits featuring flowy fabrics and bubbles
– Ensure safety first when shooting underwater
17. Ethereal Glow:
– Create an ethereal halo around subjects with backlighting and diffusers
– Shoot during the “blue hour” for a dreamy environment
18. Dramatic Low-Key:
– Emphasize mystery by focusing on minimal highlights and engulfing the rest in shadows
– Bring out the contour of the face or focus on the eyes
19. Cosmic Portraits:
– Inspired by the cosmos, make subjects look like celestial beings
– Utilize UV-reactive makeup, dark backdrops splattered with “stars”, and UV lights
20. Multiplicity Magic:
– Create a portrait with multiple versions of the same subject in one frame
– Plan carefully for lighting consistency and use post-processing for merging
21. Prep is your best friend:
– Plan beforehand to ensure a smoother shoot
– Take test shots to perfect the lighting and composition
22. Challenge your students to let their stories shine through:
– Focus not only on technicalities but also on storytelling
– Creating magic through intricate details
23. Magazines:
– Fashion magazines like Vogue and GQ
– Travel journals like National Geographic
24. Newspapers:
– Bigger newspapers with weekend supplements and features
25. Ad Agencies:
– Clients from various sectors needing editorial content
26. Book Publishers:
– Covers, inside illustrations, or photo-books
– Explore genres like cookbooks, travel journals, or fashion collections
27. Music Labels:
– Album covers, promotional materials, and behind-the-scenes shots
– Capture the spotlight of rockstars
28. PR Firms:
– Frequently need press materials including editorial-style photos
– Announcements or event coverage
29. Fashion Brands:
– Big campaigns, lookbooks, website content, and social media shots
30. Tourism Boards:
– Capture the allure of destinations in shots
– Sell the experience of a place
31. Event Organizers:
– Corporate retreats, music festivals, and other events
– Future promotions and coverage
32. NGOs & Charities:
– Powerful imagery for campaigns, fundraisers, and awareness
33. Educational Institutions:
– Universities, art schools, and prep schools need editorial photos
– Brochures, websites, and alumni magazines
34. Online Publications:
– Blogs, e-magazines, and content-rich websites with budgets and audiences
– Opportunities for photographers
35. Independent Brands & Designers:
– Launching new products or lines
– Need editorial content to make a splash in the market
36. Corporate Houses:
– In-house magazines, annual reports, and branding materials
– Add a human touch through editorial portraiture
37. Stay Focused: Build Deliberately:
– Be intentional in building your portfolio and network
– Deliver quality work that showcases your unique style
38. The Creative Class:
– Contact information: don.giannatti@gmail.com, 602 814 1468
– Address: Phoenix, Arizona
ASSIGNMENT
Find someone who is selling something. Online, B&M, service… whatever.
Ask them if you can do a package shoot for them.
Shoot a headshot, full length shot, Environmental Portrait, and any thing else you can think of that they may need.
Remember: YOU are in charge of the shoot.
Recommend Wardrobe
Recommend Location (unless location is part of the assignment parameters.
Make sire Hair and Makeup and everything is taken care of to YOUR specifications.
Deliver a full package they can use on social media and marketing materials.
ALTERNATE ASSIGNMENT
Look for a company like a restaurant, hotel, spa, yoga studio.
Do a package for them.
Headshots of their chefs, personnel, instructors.
A photo of a consultation or a cook in the kitchen
Deliver a full package for social media and marketing materials.
By doing one or both of these assignments, you will be building a huge chunk of portfolio work.
You will also be making photographs of people who know people. People who can refer you.
You may add a good number of people to your network.
MARKETS FOR PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHERS
Pounding the pavement in search of clients? Before you even consider diving deep into the hustle, let’s get that potential client list beefed up.
Ready to get your networking game on? Here’s your hit-list:
1. Magazines: From fashion mags like Vogue and GQ to travel journals like National Geographic, they’re always on the lookout for the next captivating shot.
2. Newspapers: While they lean more towards journalism, the bigger ones have weekend supplements and features that demand top-notch photography.
3. Ad Agencies: They’ve got clients from all sectors needing editorial content. Strike up a friendship and see where it leads!
4. Book Publishers: Think covers, inside illustrations, or even photo-books. Dive into genres like cookbooks, travel journals, or fashion collections.
5. Music Labels: Album covers, promotional materials, and even behind-the-scenes shots of recording sessions. Rockstars need their spotlight!
6. PR Firms: They’ve got clients who frequently need press materials, including editorial-style photos for announcements or events.
7. Fashion Brands: Apart from the big campaigns, they require lookbooks, website content, and social media shots.
8. Tourism Boards: They’re selling the allure of destinations. If you can capture the essence of a place in a shot, you’re golden.
9. Event Organizers: From upscale corporate retreats to music festivals, they might want editorial coverage to use for future promotions.
10. NGOs & Charities: They often require powerful imagery for campaigns, fundraisers, or awareness drives. It’s work that makes a difference.
11. Educational Institutions: Think universities, art schools, or even high-end prep schools. They need editorial photos for brochures, websites, and alumni magazines.
12. Online Publications: Blogs, e-magazines, and content-rich websites can be goldmines, especially those with sizable budgets and audiences.
13. Independent Brands & Designers: Especially those launching new products or lines, they’ll need editorial content to make a splash in the market.
14. Corporate Houses: For their in-house magazines, annual reports, or even branding materials, adding a human touch through editorial portraiture can be refreshing.
Bonus Tip: Always keep an eye on startups that have recently secured funding. They usually ramp up their marketing efforts and might just need your skills.
Remember, my photo-slinging friends, in this game of editorial photography, it’s as much about showcasing your unique style as it is about understanding what the client needs. Be flexible, be persistent, and most importantly, be ready to grab an opportunity when it comes knocking.
From the artsy streets of SoHo to the digital halls of online publications, there’s a client for every editorial style.
Stay Focused: Build Deliberately
The Creative Class
Create a sustainable business.
Grow your skillset.
Have multiple streams of income.
Diversify your offering.
Live a great life.
Eat more tacos.