Portrait photography is an art form that tries to capture the essence of the subject. It is meant to express human emotion and capture a person's personality. The portrait should be able to convey what makes the model uniquely "him" or "her" and tell a story about that person. For these purposes, there are different styles a photographer can choose from related to portrait photography. The best style is the one that suits the subject's personality and appears natural. Here are the types of portraiture for bringing out a person's unique characteristics.

 

Traditional Portrait

 

Since cameras were first invented, traditional portraits where the face is the predominant element have been in existence. This is the most common type of portrait photography showing the likeness or expression of the subject. Also described as a headshot, the subject is expected to look directly at the camera lens while the photo is being taken. The model is fully aware of the presence of the portrait photographers, and communication has taken place between the two regarding the body position and expression to be done.

 

Candid Portrait

 

Unlike traditional portraits, candid portraits are taken without the subject expecting or acknowledging the presence of a photographer. They are real and spontaneous images that portray the real emotions of the person as a result of acting completely natural. The family photo shoot photographer takes an unnoticeable and fly-on-the-wall approach, and does not have the liberty to control the surroundings or the emotions of the subject. The model is not aware that he or she is the focus of a photograph which explains the authenticity and rawness of candid photos.

 

Environmental Portrait

 

An environmental portrait records its subjects in their natural environment where they are most comfortable and in their element. It could be an engineer in a construction zone, an artist in a studio, or a family walking in a favorite park. The focus is on the relationship of the subjects with their environment rather than on facial features and poses. The surroundings serve as a compliment to the subject and highlight his or her character. More than the facial expressions, the subjects' environment tells more about them. 

 

Each type of portrait photography has its own merits and challenges with no right or wrong option. It is also possible to mix types in one photograph like a traditional portrait in the subject's favorite beach. What is important is that the style matches the nature of the subject. Read more here: http://photography.wikia.com/wiki/Category:Wedding_photography.