How to photograph better environmental portraits

Taking environmental portrait photographs is a delicate art with many things to consider. For today's blog, Ram Chary shares some expert tips on how to capture the best environmental portraits.

Environments and context are important for any portrait photograph. The backdrop sets the tone of your image, and different types of location portraits will yield very different results. So, let's look at some different approaches to environmental portraiture:

The photogenic environment

This environmental portrait is about using the environment, particularly a pretty or interesting backdrop, to set a tone. The idea is that the photo will be immediately recognizable as being taken at your location (e.g., New York City skyline). It also conveys something about the subject.

The background is the star

The idea here is to shoot your subject up close, with a lot of empty space in the background. This type of portrait allows you to play with light, shadows, and colors in the image. But, again, it is about creating something that will stand out when it's hung on a wall; it's about aesthetics.

The subject-in-environment approach

Rather than removing the environmental elements, this type of portrait is all about showing them off. You want to show your subject in their environment (e.g., at home). A good example of this style would be an exotic dancer in her stage setting.

The third-person approach

This type of portrait is all about identifying the location without it being too front and center in your image. Ram Chary adds that the idea is to show how people live in certain places so that you wouldn't have the person's face or an identifying element in your image.

Some of the best IG accounts for artists

Instagram is probably the most popular social media platform among graphic designers all over the world. The site has unlimited content that can help inspire graphic designers and feed into their creativity. Here are some of the must-visit Instagram accounts every graphic designer should check out. Ram Chary. Graphic Design Blog With a collection of pieces from some accomplished and budding graphic designers, Graphic Design Blog is a great account to check out. A lot of graphic designers aspire to have their pieces posted on the account. Ram Chary.

Image source: pinterest.com

Shillington

For graphic designers based in the U.S., U.K., and Australia, Shillington is a great site since it also offers art courses. On this account, graphic designers can see the works of Shillington grads and the quality of their education. There is indeed a lot to learn from on this site.

Goodtype

For typography, Goodtype is THE account. Of all the graphic design-related IG accounts, none features the invaluable skill of typography more. Ram Chary.

Image source: pinterest.com

The Design Tip

The Design Tip account features some of the more unconventional designs, which can be fantastic sources of creative ideas, for graphic designers who still feel like what they have to offer is limited.

What about you? Do you know any other IG accounts for graphic designers? Feel free to share them in the comments section below. Ram Chary.