A portrait, also known as a portraiture, is a photo centering on a person or small groups facial expression while they are in a still position. This is to display the personality, mood and the likeness of the person or group. You can also include the whole body and background in portrait photography as well. Generally the person or group will be looking strait at the camera during a portrait photo.
Non-professional models are used for portrait photography, unlike other styles of photography. Graduations, special events and weddings are types of occasions where portrait photography is used, and later displayed in private homes.
A Bit of History
People have been using portrait photography ever since the camera was invented. Having your portrait painted was expensive and not as available. Natural light was used from an open window and people would sit against the background. With technology evolving photographers have the ability to take pictures with less exposure time giving them more freedom to move around and create new styles of portrait photography.
Methods of Light
A professional photographer has complete control over the lighting when taking portrait photographs in a studio. They can change the direction and the intensity. Kicker lights, fill lights, background lights and the main lights are a few of the different lighting terms. The main light is the primary light source. The main light is generally positioned above or below the subject and at a 45 degree angle. The fill light is used to help eliminate shadows that are created by the main light. The kicker light is the light that brightens up the hair of a subject. This will help to add depth and to show the separation from the subject and the background. To add effects to the backdrops the background light is used to brighten up the background.

