Portrait photography – is a model posing ability that is skillfully seasoned with the photographer’s talent, to see the beauty and present it to the world. Besides that, the female portrait is a completely self-sufficient genre of photographic art. This genre causes particular interest among camera masters and their clients.
From the earliest times, the female image has been praised in poetry. It has been given a primary place in the paintings of artists of all times – from ancient times to the present day.
HOW TO PORTRAY WOMEN
A woman is a symbol of life, a guardian of the family, spiritual support, and support for a man. Today, beautiful paintings have been replaced by no less vivid and “lively” photographs.
It is not surprising that their popularity is so strong right now: new styles, new visions, new standards of beauty. All of this helps female portrait photography to be in high demand among representatives of the beautiful half of humanity.
Unfortunately, not all women initially realize their beauty. Lots of fear and self-doubt appeared due to strict beauty standards imposed by the media and the public.
This fear doesn’t allow many girls to believe that, despite the complete non-compliance with standards and norms, they are beautiful. They are beautiful precisely because of their uniqueness!
Contemporary fine art portraits are a wonderful way to highlight feminine beauty.
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Camera: Canon EOS 5DS R | Lens: Canon EF 85mm f1.2L II USM
Window Light | f/1.8, 1/200s, ISO 160 | Photo by © Sergey Bidun
FIND YOUR CONFIDENCE
A professional photographer doesn’t just help a woman feel confident and fearless in front of a camera lens.
With the right approach, the female begins to truly love herself – every centimeter and curve of her body, every freckle, every hair. And these silly stereotypes about height, weight, hair color, and smoothness of the skin will start to seem completely insignificant!
Camera: Canon EOS 5DS R | Lens: Canon EF 85mm f1.2L II USM
f/9.0, 1/200s, ISO 250 | Photo by © Sergey Bidun
Light: Profoto B1 500 AirTTL System
When looking at her professional portraits, any lady will certainly be able to believe in her uniqueness, individuality, and originality!
Each woman chooses a style of portrait photography on her own. The photographer has particular knowledge and experience in this field. He can help her make the right choice and understand which photographs will most clearly reflect her inner world.
Camera: Canon EOS 5DS R | Lens: Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
Window Light | f/2.8, 1/400s, ISO 640 | Photo by © Sergey Bidun
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE FEMALE PORTRAIT
What feature of the model must certainly be dominant in the female portrait photo? Of course, her femininity!
Even incredibly self-confident, intelligent, and strong-willed women, despite their strength and stamina, remain fragile, tender, and vulnerable humans in their souls that need assurance and protection.
Portrait photography requires great input from both the master and the model. As a rule, to create beautiful portrait photographs, you need to organize the photo session properly.
Lighting
Most of the time, a photoshoot takes place in a studio or a well-lit space. After all, correctly placed light is the basis of high-quality portraits.
With the help of lighting, you can not only emphasize the advantages of a woman’s appearance but also make her small flaws completely invisible.
During studio photo sessions, I’m often shooting with Rembrandt Lighting, Butterfly Lighting or a Split Lighting setups.
For more tips on how I use natural light in my portraits, read my post – Natural Light Photography.
Camera: Canon EOS 5DS R | Lens: Canon EF 85mm f1.2L II USM
f/8.0, 1/125s, ISO 200 | Photo by © Sergey Bidun
Light: Profoto B1 500 AirTTL System
Posing
Another important aspect is the ability of the subject to pose. Or at least the ability to trust the photographer and follow his recommendations. With the right use of natural or studio light and proper posing, you will get high-quality female portraits.
We recommend reading our article Posing Tips for Women Portrait Photography, for tips and suggestions that work for our studio.
HIGHLIGHT INDIVIDUALITY
The main task of the photographer is to reveal the individuality of each woman and show her rich inner world. It’s also important to notice the uniqueness of the person, find the hidden charm. Sometimes even present minor flaws in the form of great advantages!
Camera: Canon EOS 5DS R | Lens: Canon EF 85mm f1.2L II USM
Window Light | f/1.4, 1/800s, ISO 250 | Photo by © Sergey Bidun
HOW TO PREPARE FOR A PORTRAIT PHOTOSHOOT?
For any photoshoot, you need to prepare thoroughly and diligently, but for portrait photography, preparation is of particular importance.
I’ve dedicated a full post on tips for How to Prepare for a Portrait Photo Session.
HOW TO BEHAVE?
First, you need to be open to communicating with the photographer. It is almost impossible to be completely relaxed and comfortable in front of a stranger.
Chat before the photo shoot and discuss the main points in a relaxed atmosphere. Express your wishes, and listen to the recommendations of the expert.
Camera: Canon EOS 5DS R | Lens: Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM Lens
Window Light | f/2.5, 1/160s, ISO 400 | Photo by © Sergey Bidun
WHAT TO WEAR?
When choosing clothes for photography, give preference to good-fitting outfits in which you feel comfortable and at ease. Choose the color and style based on the theme of the photoshoot.
It is essential that your image looks strong and stylish on the portrait.
See my board of inspiration outfits for your next portrait photoshoot.
DO I NEED MAKEUP?
As for makeup, it depends on the preferences of the client and the style of the upcoming photo shoot.
- Want to look as natural as possible and focus on your inner beauty? Use a minimum of makeup.
- Planning glamorous portraits for your portfolio? Want to make some photo prints for gifts to your friends and relatives? Do a subtle daytime makeup – a little foundation and powder; a light blush; highlighter (natural radiance is especially valuable today); lipstick of moderate shades; light shadows, and mascara for fluffy and long eyelashes.
Fine Art photographs require an individual approach. For such photo sessions, seek the help of professional makeup artists. They will help create a truly original and memorable image.
Camera: Canon EOS 5DS R | Lens: Canon EF 85mm f1.2L II USM
Window Light | f/1.8, 1/2000s, ISO 100 | Photo by © Sergey Bidun
HAIRSTYLE
For the hairstyle, the same approach can be applied as in makeup. If you are going for a natural look – wash your hair and leave it alone. Let it take the form it needs.
Want to look perfect and neat with a unique hairstyle – reach out to a professional hairstylist.
A professional photographer will surely tell you which angles are most favorable for you. Listen to his opinion and, if possible, follow his advice in the process of taking photos.
CONCLUSION
When deciding to have a portrait photoshoot, it’s important to understand that there is simply no single recipe for everyone. Each photoshoot is a separate story that is written for a specific hero – for you.
An individual approach and a unique vision of the image of the model are critical in this matter. Typically, only a truly professional photographer can provide this.
If you want to get beautiful fine art high-quality portraits, do not miss the opportunity to reserve your photoshoot with Sergey Bidun, a professional Sacramento portrait photographer. You can count on a great atmosphere during the shoot and high-end fine art photographs!
GEAR USED TO CREATE THESE IMAGES
For the images listed throughout this article, different photography gear and lighting equipment were used.
- Camera: CANON EOS 5DS R
- Lenses: Canon EF 85mm f1.2L II US | Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM Lens | Canon EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM | Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
- Lighting: Profoto B1 500 AirTTL Location Kit
- Retouching tablet: Wacom Intuos Pro Medium Drawing Tablet
- Software: Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom
- Computer: Apple iMac, 27-inch Retina 5k display
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Photographer: Sergey Bidun
Written by Maria Bidun
