History

• When the art of photography advanced in the 1800s, portrait photography was an expensive endeavor enjoyed mainly by the wealthy, famous, or important leaders. Since the advance of camera technology in the 20th century, portraits have become accessible and affordable to all people. Portrait studios can be now be found in most department stores, malls, and almost every school in the nation sets aside special days for portraits to be taken of every student.
  
  

Function

• Portrait photographers take lasting images of individuals or groups using the appropriate camera and lighting equipment. Ideally, the photographer will be able to capture more than just a good likeness of the subject. What separates a good portrait photographer from a great one is being able to capture the subject's essence by communicating characteristics or a personality that is unique to the subject, through the use of expression, posture, emotion, composition, lighting, setting and props.
  
  

Misconceptions

• It is generally thought that photographers are educated and experienced artists, and indeed many still are; but you don't actually need a background in photography to start a career as a portrait photographer. Many photo studio chains or mobile studios that go into schools and other institutions hire people with little to no background in photography. Easy to operate equipment and on-the-job training allows for a production-line method, where those without formal photography training can find entry-level work. These positions are fairly low paying, but can provide basic training and experience in the field.
  
  

Types

• Portraits are generally categorized into three types. The first is "head shots," which are a close-up portraits of the subjects face, or head and shoulders. The second is "body shots," which show half to all of the subject's body in the portrait. Finally, there are "environmental shots," which include the subject's environment when the background lends to capturing the subject's essence. Portrait photography also ranges in style, such as traditional, fine arts, commercial, freestyle, creative, candid, and even abstract.
  
  

Considerations

• Aside from knowing how to operate photography equipment, there are some qualities that are beneficial to a portrait photographer. One quality is an artistic eye, with the understanding of principles of lighting and composition. Another helpful ability is to be able to quickly develop a rapport with the subject and put him at ease, especially when dealing with subjects who are not professional models. Timing is also essential, as even the most minor change in a subject can communicate an entirely different mood or emotion; a portrait photographer has to be ready to snap at that magic moment when the subject's essence shines through.