What are Lifestyle Portraits? | Sarah Kane Photography

When you think of portraits you may be envisioning a studio with a nice back drop, a photographer positioning you on a stool, chin down just slightly, surrounded by lights and umbrellas. These portraits are called studio portraits and are one of many portrait styles. A portrait simply means the likeness of a person represented by a photograph, painting or drawing (read more about styles of portraits here).

I am a lifestyle portrait photographer.  Lifestyle Portraits show individual's and family's “style of living” through photographs. It is a combination of environmental  and candid portraits. I aim to capture real moments as they happen. This can be in one's home or other location. Although I focus on candid moments I also arrange for some more formal portraits by putting individuals and families into poses, but my camera is constantly snapping so I can get all of those real moments in between.

VIEW AN EXAMPLE OF LIFESTYLE PORTRAITS HERE

Styles of Portrait Photography Explained | Sarah Kane Photography

I love Sasha Gitin's simple explanation of the various portrait styles. Information credit to Sasha Gitin from Learnmyshot.com.

1. Traditional portraits.

Traditional or Classical portraiture would refer to an image where the subjects are posed and looking directly into the camera. The purpose of the photograph is to depict visual representation of the persons photographed. 

Photo by Sarah Kane 

2. Environmental Portrait.

The term Environmental Portrait refers to an image where the subject is photographed in the person’s natural environment. For example, a worker photographed at the construction zone, teacher in the classroom, sculptor in a sculpture studio and so on. Surroundings are used to compliment the subject and to emphasize his character. Subject and setting are chosen by the photographer.

Photo by Sasha Gitin, Fish Butcher

4. Candid Portrait.

A candid portrait is taken without a subject expecting or acknowledging the photographer. This style is used in photo journalism, travel photography, street photography and event photography such as a wedding. As opposed to an environmental portrait this image is captured at the moment rather than set up.

Photo by Sarah Kane

5. Glamor Portrait.

The term Glamor Portrait refers to portraits where emphasis is given to highlight the sexy romantic appeal of the subject.

Photo by Sarah Kane

6. Lifestyle Portrait

The term Lifestyle Portrait refers to portraits where emphasis is given to suggest the “style of living” of the individuals depicted. Technically it is a combination of environmental portraits and candid portraits. More weight is given to communicate the feeling of life experience of the subject. Style has numerous implications in commercial and fine art photography. Editorial, fashion, pharmaceutical, and food industries often use lifestyle images to evoke emotions in viewers by depiction of desired life styles. It is common to see this style used in weddings and family portrait photography as well.

Photo by Sarah Kane, Bubbles

7. Surreal Portrait.

Surreal Portraits are created to emphasize the other reality. A depiction of a person’s interpreted subconscious mind. Surrealism is an art movement started in the early 1920‘s and still alive and well. In photography tricks and special effects are used to achieve a surreal look. VIDEO/ EBOOK: Photography Tricks and Special Effects

Photo by Evan Sharboneau.

8. Conceptual Portrait.

Conceptual Portrait refers to images where concept adds a fourth dimension. The hidden meaning of the concept will leave the viewer guessing as it is often open for interpretation. Conceptual artists generally get offended when asked what did they mean in their photograph. It is the job of the viewer to decide. Conceptual Portraits are often used in advertising photography but concepts are much easier to understand.

Photo by Constantin Gedal. “Untitled” 2007

9. Abstract Portrait.

Abstract portraits are created with a purpose of creating art and not based on realistic representation of a person. Collage or digital manipulation is often used.

Photo by Sasha Gitin. Portrait of Ura, 1999