The Environmental Portrait

 

The Environmental Portrait

The headshot versus an environmental portrait brings an additional element to your photo. It provides context, using props or in a location. The environmental portrait enhances your stature, shows an insight to your personality and gives a narrative to your brand. Here are the tips to incorporate in your environmental picture.

1.  Find a location that tells your story.  For example, if you work on Capitol Hill find somewhere inside or outside the Capitol.  If you are a musician, use your instrument as a prop, if you are a speaker use your podium and powerpoint slide in your photo.

2.   Using composition techniques that avoid distracting elements but emphasizes you.  The focus is on you, make sure you are prominent in the composition.  Do all the elements in the frame enrich the photo?

3. Lighting is vital.  Soft natural light is best, but it can be enhanced with proper flash or other lighting tools.

4.  Is your pose and expression engaging?  Are you projecting an authentic emotion?  Do you look comfortable?  Your image helps to project your confidence, friendliness and approachability.

Chef Michel Richard 

One of my favorite images from years ago, is the portrait of Chef Michel Richard.  He was always comfortable in photos, he had a warm personality, he knew how to pose, smile and exude confidence.  

 

5. Post-Production of your image is vital.  Photo files directly out of the camera always need a little help.  Color enhancements, proper focus, emphasizing the light should be subtle without being too extreme.  It takes skill and patience to properly adjust the image.

It is all about collaboration with a photographer that makes your photo.  Creative efforts between the two of you, finding a location, using props, and knowing how to authentically pose are the key concepts to your successful image.

See my portfolio www.LLLevin.com  Ask me anything larrylevin@verizon.net

A few more selected images:

My "selfie" with Basketball Official Mentor Bill Dixon.
I set up the composition, lighting and let someone else push the button!

 Four techniques to get a better portrait photo.

Your portrait is your proof of your professionalism, character, confidence, approachability and friendliness.  In today’s environment—social media, LinkedIn, or company websites—a high quality portrait is a necessity.   You want to be recognized as a trusted professional, create your visual identity and gain a comfort level with potential clients or employer.   

There are many factors that go into making your portrait.  You need to consider the photographic skill and creativity of the photographer.  Additionally, you need to work and be comfortable with the person making your portrait.

1.        Lighting    Soft lighting that enhances your skin tone, reducing harsh shadows and highlights is best.  

2.        Composition   Balanced within the frame, that draws focus to your eyes and face. A clean background that is unobstructive and not distractive. 

3.        Sharpness & Focus   Your eyes should be sharp and the background a little fuzzy so the focus is on you.

4.        Connection   Your natural and authentic smile, facial expression and relaxed pose create that connection allowing your personality to come through.

The assignment was to do staff portraits.  Each person had 10-minute intervals.  There was a makeup artist to assist each person.  So within our shoot time, we had to quickly develop a rapport, alleviate the shyness and figure out how to get the best expression. A lighting setup, a large camera, and a fun and friendly photographer can be intimidating.  Quickly figuring out each person’s best qualities, gaining confidence and catching the natural expression is what a professional photographer does.  

Make no mistake, some people can get it done in one frame.  Some may take a bit longer.  It all works out. The selected imaged is adjusted in post-production.  And everyone is pleased.

Ask me anything, larrylevin@verizon.net

See my website www.LLLevin.com

Inspirational Basketball: The Treviso Special Olympics International Unified Basketball Tournament

June 2025

For the twelfth time in so many years, teams gathered in a small Italian city to inspire the world. Thirty-seven teams from around the world came to play basketball. Not your ordinary type of teams, but Special Olympics Unified teams. Unified sports combine teammates with and without intellectual disabilities. This simple concept breaks down barriers, promotes social inclusion, and highlights each participant's abilities.

Treviso, Italy, a sports mecca, hosted over 450 athletes, including teams not only from Italy but from Belgium, Canada, Egypt, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Poland and USA. Over 74 games were played over the two days on 4 courts, both outside (in the Italian sun and 85-degree temperatures) and two indoor courts. There were six levels of competition. Teams played against teams with similar abilities.

The beauty of this event is more than just about competition, It provides a showcase of inclusion, where athletes with varied backgrounds and skills can thrive and develop lifelong connections.

I was honored to be a part of this tournament as a volunteer referee and make these photos to document this event.

All Photography Copyright 2025 Laurence L. Levin. No publication rights granted without written permission.