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, 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 year2 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:

Selfie with Basketball Official Mentor Bill Dixon.
Set up the composition, lighting and let someone else push the button!