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Writer's pictureAriel Faith

What is personality portrait Photography, Anyway?

Isn't a portrait a picture of a person... well,

There are many types or genres of photography that include people.

Fashion Photography - is about the clothes.

Travel photography - is about the place. that have people in the place

Street photography - capture real-life moments in public places, documentary

Beauty Photography - is about the makeup or hair

Glamour Photography - is about physical beauty, usually sensual.

Boudoir Photography - even more sensual, yet not x-rated.

Lifestyle photography - people in social situations.


So what is Portrait Photography - a headshot? A face and shoulders shot? A yearbook picture? No, please. No! It is so much more!

"When a portrait evokes a feeling, then you've got something. Technique isn't really important. What I want is a believable moment" -Bert Stern (1929 - 2013)

A portrait is deeper than that. It is a collaboration of a person and a photographer, and then they tell the story of who they are in the photograph, or a series of photographs. They are working together, expression, body language, lighting, etc.


How do other photographers define Portrait photography?

A portrait "It's the Visual story of who this person is." - Scott Kelby

There is a collaboration, and the photographer directs the subject.

"It's one thing to make a picture of what a person looks like. It's another thing to make a portrait of who they are" -Paul Caponigro.

A closely connected style of photography is environmental portraiture. Often found in newspapers and magazines. This is where the background is key to your overall story.


Anique Jolee - Singer, Song writer in Deland Florida.

So you want a good portrait and are looking to choose a photographer.

What are things you need to KNOW before you choose?


  • It is vital to connect with the photographer. They need to see who you are to be able to reflect that back in the way they direct you and the artistic choices they make.

  • There is a need to chat. You might not see the value in this, but honestly, it is critical for you and the photographer. To spend some time just getting to know each other. It is not meant to be creepy but authentic and help convey emotion in your story.

"I think that the photographer's best weapon is their own personality. I love to meet people and to spend time chatting with them before I start to make photographs. It puts them at ease, and it gives me clues to their personalities" - Albert Watson

  • Are they willing to do the work to get you relaxed? Could you share your favorite music with them? You need to be able to relax and enjoy the session.

  • Ask yourself, How comfortable do you feel with them? Are they listening to you and your concerns?

"The picture is not made by the photographer; the picture is more good or less good in function of the relationship that you have with the people you photograph." - Sebastiao Salgado

I love Personality Portraits because that is where the spark is in YOU!


I have been photographing nature, small landscapes, flowers, macro and abstract, Architecture, abstractions, impressionistic work , and reflections for many years now. But it was a walk in the city of Chicago that I saw the transformation that happens when you capture a person, and they feel seen. I do love nature deeply and always will, but honestly, a beautiful calla lily will always be beautiful, but for me, it was missing something.


Authentic, unique, and ever-growing Personality!


In a Branding personality portrait photography session, we collaborate to capture your branding message with the right locations, settings, backgrounds, lenses, lighting, and technology. But shhhhh, the secret is not the camera, lighting, and pixels. My creative visions. They can help, but the real magic is YOU.


The Secret Sauce is and always will be YOU!


Together with my creative heart and soul and your heart and talents, we can create a strong visual brand to share your story and grow an authentic audience with real and valuable Clients.


So our journey Starts with a Chat about your photography needs, and we find your Spark and Share it.


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