What Are The Styles Portrait Photography
portrait Photography Styles
When searching for a photographer to photograph your portrait session or wedding day, you will often be directed to research “portrait photography styles” or “wedding photography styles.” This is some of the best and worst advice. Let me explain.
If you Google “portrait photography styles” or “wedding photography styles,” you will find thousands of websites claiming to have all the answers. Unfortunately, they don’t. I encourage you to visit 3-4 websites from the search results. You will quickly see the information provided on each website is significantly different. There is a huge lack of consistency when it comes to the overall number of photography styles, and how a photographer “defines” their style has no impact on the quality of their images.
You could ask 5 photographers - all with the exact same photography style - to photograph the same subject. You will like some of the photos and dislike others. This is because photographers - even those with the “same style” - see the world through different eyes, and of course, this is reflected in their images. The best way to determine if a photographer’s style is right for you, is to evaluate their work and ask yourself these questions:
How do the people in their photos look? Are they happy? Fearful? Relaxed and natural looking?
Do they compose their photographs in way that you find interesting?
Do they appear to understand and use lighting to enhance their subjects?
How do the colors in their images look? Are they realistic or do they look like something out of a sci-fi movie?
How do they appear to edit photos? Again, is it realistic or do the people look like mannequins? Do they remove distracting objects?
What Is Magnolia’s Portrait Photography Style?
The best way to define my portrait photography style is “stylized.”
I believe that every photograph has the power to encapsulate a beautiful memory, a heartfelt emotion, or a fleeting moment. I approach my photographs artistically with attention to detail. I strive to create imagery that tells a story and elicits emotions.
My signature portrait photography style is characterized by authenticity and simplicity. I believe in capturing photos that are natural, without being overly staged or posed. Whether it’s a candid smile, loving glance, or a spontaneous burst of laughter, I aim to preserve those genuine and unfiltered expressions that make each individual, and each moment unique.
My photography gives special attention to composition and lighting. Carefully framing each image to highlight the subject while considering the surrounding environment. Utilizing the natural light or creative lighting to enhance the mood and atmosphere, and ensure your photos have a compelling and captivating visual appeal.
My signature post-processing is a crucial step in the creative process and my photography style. Every image is given the proper treatment to strike a delicate balance, enhancing the photos beauty while preserving its authenticity. My editing process is meticulous and emphasizes natural colors, textures, and tones present in the original image. I avoid overly saturated or heavily manipulated effects that impact the integrity of your images.
Some photographers might try to downplay the need to edit your images. They might say to you, “I don’t need to edit the images, I get them right in camera.” While every photographer should strive to capture their images as perfectly as possible in camera, it doesn’t eliminate the need for photo editing.
“Regardless of how beautifully you capture an image, it will always require some level of editing to bring it to the next level.”
While I have a deep appreciation for those less structured and posed photos, I also understand the importance of those traditional and formal images. My expertise allows me to skillfully blend both candid and traditional photography, providing you with a diverse and comprehensive collection of photographs that beautifully tell your story.
To learn more about Magnolia’s portrait photography style, be sure to check out the Magnolia Magazine!
