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Studio Portrait
Photography
Shooting portraits in the studio involves
more set up than other types of portrait
photography. Whether your studio is in a set
location or it’s portable, the setup usually
includes a background with stands, at least
two lights with stands, umbrellas or soft-
boxes, reflectors, and so forth.
Studio portraits are usually more formal
than outdoor portraits, which tend to have a
more relaxed feeling to them. Two major
elements to remember when shooting a
portrait in a studio are:
✦ Control the background. Being
able to control your background
keeps distracting elements out of
your image and focuses the atten-
tion where it should be, on your
subject.
✦ Control the lighting. Unlike when
you’re shooting outdoors, in the
studio you choose where the light
falls on your subject, how much
light is falling on your subject, and
how the shadows look, by using
modifiers, such as umbrellas and
softboxes.
Although, studio portraits are more formal
than outdoor portraits, don’t be afraid to
encourage your model to have fun with
the shoot. You can try to make him or her
laugh or suggest a few wacky poses. Also,
remember that “formal” doesn’t necessarily
mean boring or serious. However, depend-
ing on your subject, you may find you like
the more traditional, serious look.
As you do more and more portraits, you will
find yourself developing a style. Almost all
famous portrait photographers have their
own personal style that reflects their own
personality while also capturing the essence
of the model.
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