Meaningful portraiture is mainly the result of communication between the
photographer and the subject. Technical proficiency serves merely as a preparation
of the foundation of the portrait by establishing the pose, lighting, and camera
position. Technique may therefore be considered as the language for expressing the
substance of the photographers statement eloquently.

People may be photographed different ways to serve different functions, and
structured portraiture roughly divides into five categories.

PUBLICITY: The principal aim of a publicity portrait is to create an eye-catching
image with impact, to attract and hold a viewers attention....without necessarily
reflecting the subjects actual likeness and personality. This style of portraiture
is produced mainly for publicity, promotions, and posters in the field of performing
arts.

GLAMOUR: The glamour approach to portraiture allows us to alter the subjects
natural appearance, by utilizing camera perspective and lighting to achieve an
aura of glamour and sophistication. The primary purpose of a glamour portrait is
to create an interesting picture, rather than to reflect the subjects true likeness.

DOCUMENTARY: The documentary category fulfills a clients need for a portrait in
connection with a social or other significant event. It is often impossible to
achieve aesthetically pleasing results in this style of portraiture because of
clothing, props, and the locale of the function which must be included in the
picture. However, the documentary value of these portraits to the client, make
the compromise acceptable. These portraits are often done for the news media or
some other public use.

ENVIRONMENTAL: This approach to portraiture offers a means for creating an interesting
and informative portrayal of a person. By including some object or locale within the
composition pertinent to the subjects occupation or hobby, the photographer provides
the viewer with relevant information about that person. But, quite often, when the
subject is engaged in an activity in that portrayal, the result may again fail to
reflect that persons actual likeness.

CLASSIC: The remaining category, the pure traditional classic approach to portraiture,
is indeed, aimed specifically toward a portrayal showing the subjects face from an
attractive angle, supported by an effectively arranged body pose. The total effect,
as the viewer sees it, should appear natural, comfortable looking, and unaffected.
Regardless of how much of the subjects body is showing, the clothing, props,
background, or any other item included in the picture, must remain subdued. Only the
face and expression should stand out as the dominant point of interest to a beholder.

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