Portrait Photography Styles: Classic vs. Modern
Portrait photography is an art form that has evolved significantly over time. While the goal of capturing a person's likeness and personality remains constant, the approaches and aesthetics have diverged into distinct styles. This article compares classic and modern portrait photography, examining their key characteristics, techniques, and the audiences they appeal to. Understanding these differences will help you appreciate the nuances of each style and choose the best approach for your needs.
Defining Classic Portraiture
Classic portraiture evokes a sense of timelessness and elegance. It draws inspiration from traditional painting and often aims to create a formal and dignified representation of the subject. Think of portraits from the Victorian era or the Golden Age of Hollywood.
Key Characteristics of Classic Portraiture:
Formal Posing: Subjects are often posed in a deliberate and structured manner, sometimes seated or standing with a specific posture. The aim is to convey a sense of composure and grace.
Even Lighting: Classic portraits typically utilise soft, diffused lighting to minimise harsh shadows and create a flattering and even skin tone. Three-point lighting setups are common.
Neutral Backgrounds: Backgrounds are usually simple and uncluttered, often using solid colours or subtle textures. This ensures that the focus remains entirely on the subject.
Timeless Attire: Clothing choices tend to be classic and elegant, avoiding trendy or distracting elements. Think of tailored suits, flowing gowns, or simple, understated garments.
Emphasis on Detail: Sharp focus and meticulous attention to detail are crucial. Every aspect of the portrait, from the subject's expression to the texture of their clothing, is carefully considered.
Classic portraiture aims to create an image that will stand the test of time, representing the subject in a dignified and enduring manner. The focus is on capturing their essence and presenting them in the best possible light.
Defining Modern Portraiture
Modern portraiture embraces a more contemporary and often unconventional approach. It prioritises authenticity, individuality, and a sense of connection with the viewer. This style is far more diverse than classic portraiture, encompassing a wide range of techniques and aesthetics.
Key Characteristics of Modern Portraiture:
Candid or Natural Posing: Subjects are often captured in more relaxed and natural poses, sometimes unaware of the camera. The goal is to capture genuine emotions and expressions.
Varied Lighting: Modern portraits may utilise a wider range of lighting techniques, including natural light, harsh shadows, and creative lighting effects. The lighting can be used to create mood and atmosphere.
Contextual Backgrounds: Backgrounds can play a more significant role in modern portraits, providing context and adding to the story being told. Locations can be anything from urban landscapes to natural settings.
Expressive Attire: Clothing choices are often more expressive and individualistic, reflecting the subject's personality and style. Trendy or unconventional garments are often embraced.
Emphasis on Emotion: Capturing genuine emotion and connection is paramount. The focus is on revealing the subject's personality and creating a sense of intimacy with the viewer.
Modern portraiture seeks to capture the subject as they are in the present moment, embracing their individuality and expressing their unique character. This style is often more experimental and less constrained by traditional conventions. You can learn more about Portraits and our approach to modern portraiture.
Lighting and Composition Differences
Lighting and composition are fundamental elements of portrait photography, and the approaches differ significantly between classic and modern styles.
Lighting:
Classic: As mentioned before, classic portraiture favours soft, diffused lighting to create even skin tones and minimise harsh shadows. Three-point lighting is a staple, with a key light, fill light, and backlight working together to illuminate the subject evenly. The goal is to create a flattering and timeless look.
Modern: Modern portraiture embraces a wider range of lighting techniques. Natural light is often used, sometimes in unconventional ways, such as shooting in harsh sunlight or using shadows to create dramatic effects. Artificial lighting can also be used creatively, with techniques like off-camera flash and coloured gels to add mood and atmosphere. The goal is to create a visually interesting and expressive image.
Composition:
Classic: Classic portraiture often adheres to traditional compositional rules, such as the rule of thirds and leading lines. Subjects are typically positioned in the centre of the frame or slightly off-centre, with careful attention paid to balance and symmetry. The goal is to create a harmonious and visually pleasing composition.
Modern: Modern portraiture often breaks free from traditional compositional rules, experimenting with unconventional angles, framing, and perspectives. Subjects may be positioned off-centre, cropped in unusual ways, or placed in dynamic and unexpected environments. The goal is to create a visually striking and thought-provoking image.
Understanding these differences in lighting and composition is crucial for achieving the desired aesthetic in your portrait photography. Consider what we offer in terms of lighting and composition techniques.
Post-Processing Techniques
Post-processing plays a vital role in both classic and modern portrait photography, but the techniques used and the desired outcomes differ significantly.
Classic Post-Processing:
Skin Smoothing: Gentle skin smoothing is often used to minimise blemishes and create a flawless complexion. However, the goal is to maintain a natural look and avoid excessive artificiality.
Dodge and Burn: Dodge and burn techniques are used to subtly enhance highlights and shadows, adding depth and dimension to the image. This is often done to accentuate facial features and create a more sculpted look.
Colour Correction: Colour correction is used to ensure accurate and consistent colours, creating a balanced and harmonious image. Sepia tones or black and white conversions are also common, adding to the timeless feel.
Sharpening: Gentle sharpening is used to enhance detail and clarity, but excessive sharpening is avoided to prevent a harsh or artificial look.
Modern Post-Processing:
Creative Colour Grading: Colour grading is used to create a specific mood or atmosphere, often with bold and unconventional colour palettes. This can involve adjusting hues, saturation, and luminance to achieve a desired effect.
Retouching: Retouching techniques can be used to remove blemishes, smooth skin, and enhance features, but the approach is often more subtle and natural than in classic portraiture. The goal is to enhance the subject's natural beauty rather than creating an artificial perfection.
Adding Effects: Creative effects, such as lens flares, light leaks, and textures, can be added to enhance the visual interest and create a unique aesthetic. These effects are often used to add a sense of mood, atmosphere, or surrealism.
Selective Sharpening: Selective sharpening is used to enhance specific areas of the image, such as the eyes or hair, while leaving other areas softer. This can help to draw the viewer's attention to key details.
Post-processing is an essential tool for refining and enhancing portrait photographs, but the specific techniques used should be tailored to the desired aesthetic. If you have frequently asked questions about post-processing, please refer to our FAQ page.
Target Audience and Applications
Classic and modern portrait photography styles appeal to different audiences and are suitable for various applications.
Classic Portraiture:
Target Audience: Individuals and families seeking timeless and elegant portraits for display in their homes or for commemorative purposes. Businesses seeking professional headshots that convey a sense of authority and trustworthiness.
Applications: Family portraits, individual portraits, corporate headshots, formal events, and historical reenactments.
Appeal: The timelessness, elegance, and formality of classic portraiture make it a popular choice for those seeking a dignified and enduring representation of themselves or their loved ones.
Modern Portraiture:
Target Audience: Individuals seeking creative and expressive portraits that reflect their personality and style. Businesses seeking branding imagery that is authentic, engaging, and visually striking.
Applications: Personal branding, lifestyle photography, fashion photography, editorial photography, and artistic projects.
Appeal: The authenticity, individuality, and visual interest of modern portraiture make it a popular choice for those seeking a unique and expressive representation of themselves or their brand.
Ultimately, the choice between classic and modern portrait photography depends on your personal preferences, the desired aesthetic, and the intended application. Both styles offer unique strengths and can be used to create stunning and memorable images. Consider the overall message you want to convey and choose the style that best aligns with your vision. When choosing a photographer, be sure to review their portfolio and discuss your preferences in detail to ensure that they can deliver the results you desire.