What Is Fine Art Portrait Photography?
In fine art photography, the photographer is the artist, and the recording of the subject is not the main purpose. Making an artistic statement is.
A fine art portrait image is created by the photographer as an artist and not just by the camera. The photographer’s vision is central to the resulting shot.
A fine art portrait photograph is intended for wall art. It can sometimes be described as "décor photography" or "photo décor." This style of photography stands in contrast to documentary-style photojournalism, in which subjects and events are captured to represent reality.
Fine art portrait photography delivers maximum impact and depicts emotion in a vivid and distinctive style. These portraits are timeless and capture the essence of the subject’s character in a vision created by the photographer. The photographer may use location, props, or surreal lighting to manipulate the image to the one he or she is trying to achieve.
Ultimately, fine art portrait photographs are the family heirlooms of the future. This is art for art’s sake. The finest specimens are in which the subject seems amazingly real when the photograph is positioned just in front of you.
What Is a Portrait Photograph?
A portrait photograph is an image of a person or a group of people, with the face (or faces), facial features, and expression as the main focus of attention. Importantly, portrait photography attempts to capture the character and unique attributes of the subject. The art is in capturing the personality of the subject.
Portrait photography is all about a technically perfect composition. It’s a skill that requires patience and practice. Bringing out a person’s character in front of the camera, without them reverting to a "photo face," is the essence of good portrait photography. A portrait photograph isn’t a candid shot. It’s carefully planned and rehearsed. The outfit, the props, the location, the angle of the shot, and the pose are all prepared before the shoot.