Portrait Photographer

Portrait photographer is a career that i want to follow. As that opens so many doors for me. Portraiture is used in a lot in photography. For example in weddings, schools, newborn and family portrait. To me this is a never ending opportunity.

I will look into what it takes to become one.

What is a Portrait Photographer?

A portrait photographer is a professional photographer who specializes in taking pictures of people. They know how to use photographic equipment to produce an optimal image and may use lights and filters to enhance the images. Portrait photographers may work in studios or on location. They may opt to specialize in wedding photography, school photography or photographing religious ceremonies. Wedding photographers may frame photographs and present their work in an album.

What skills do you need?

A portrait photographer’s primary duty is to capturing quality still images. To do this, you will need to have good interpersonal and instructional skills. For example, if your work may involve small children who often don’t want to remain still and smile. To get these portraits, you might need to engage your subjects, helping them relax in front of the camera. You will also give advice on how your subject positions her or his body. Also would need to use props or lighting reflectors depending on your location.

Being creative and having keen observation skills will help you with developing a concept for a photo shoot, getting images from different angles and knowing the precise moment to take a picture. Strong technical skills can help you perform functions such as editing and retouching images, using various professional cameras and adding images to websites.

Most of portrait photographer are self-employed, you will need good business management and administration skills to handle finances, write contracts and copyright your work. Also the big thing to remember as a portrait photographer would be that you would have to have your clients to sign a model release form and especially when children under 18’s are involve so that you will stay on the right side of the law.

I will be looking more closely what it takes to become an wedding photographer in my next post.