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3 Environmental Portraiture Tips

An Environmental Portraiture aims to show a person in their natural environment. Whether that be in their home, workplace or during one of their favourite activities. By photographing a person in their natural surroundings, you are able to approach them comfortably and truly illuminate their character. Environmental Portraits allow you to really connect with your subject and capture their personality with the trip of your shutter.

Connect with your subject.

An Environmental Portrait showcases a persons true personality through a photograph. How can you as the photographer truly capture that personality if you don't know of it yourself. Spend time talking with your subject. The more you talk to your subject the more you will learn about them and consequently the more comfortable they will become around you. Some people are very shy when being photographed. A good way to combat this is to slowly talk to your subject without holding your camera. Have it near by on a table and get to know your subject a bit first. Once you have engaged with your subject you can hold your camera but not pointing it at them. Hold it in the crook of your arm or have it hanging from your neck. While you are interacting with your subject be sure to watch their mannerisms and body language. When you feel like they are opening up and becoming comfortable, you can start working towards your first frame. During conversation casually ask them to hold a position that you find appealing and shoot it, then continue the conversation with the camera back around your neck or in the crook of your arm. This slow approach to your portraits will often break down any walls your subject may have in regards to being photographed.

Location and Props.

A location that showcases your portrait is just as important as your subject. It does not make sense to photograph the worlds best chef playing chess if you understand what I mean. Locations and back grounds can make your photos just as easily as a heavy handed prop. If using props, try to make them as subtle as possible. There is nothing worse than a forced portrait. Try not to instruct your subject too much. All models need some form of coaching but there is a fine line between controlling and contorting your subject.

Lighting is key.

Making use of the available or natural light on an environmental shoot is essential. Whether your subject is outside or near a window, if they are in direct sunlight, or backlit. All of these factors come into play and will in the end determine how your portrait can be interpreted. As a photographer you can use light to your advantage. Bed sheets as diffusers, white walls as bounce cards, there are hundreds of different household items that can be used to transform the light around you. Knowledge of what light will best suit your subject in their environment is key. Just remember the cute old granny becomes very menacing under godfather lighting.


At thelightroom we have an exciting Environmental Portraiture class approaching on the 24th where you can learn how to put these tips and many more into use with a real model. Follow the link for more details. http://www.thelightroom.com.au/pages/educate/classes.asp?sku=210986&brand=Master%20Class&dept=103