3Portraits Portfolio Photography, Photojournalism eLearning

Environmental Portrait Portfolio

Photos & text by: © David Anthony Johanson - www.bigpicturephoto.us

Environmental portraiture is a genre of photography which is shot on location or in a natural environment as opposed to a formal studio setting. This style of photography re-flects the subject's, work, play or lifestyle environment, in order to illuminate the individ-ual's story. In addition, there’s the added benefit of putting a person at ease in a familiar setting, as opposed to traveling to an unfamiliar studio setting.

The 20TH Century, American photographer, Arnold Newman, is acknowledged for mak-ing this style of editorial photography popular with his magazine assignment work. He

was a master at using visual elements related to his subject, which reflected the essence of their personalities.

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Some basic considerations for pursuing loca-tion photography in general is to develop a strategy well ahead and be prepared to ex-pect, the unexpected.

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My professional approach is to start out with plan A: requir-ing, if possible, scouting the location ahead of time for the photography session — this preparation will present the knowledge of exactly, what visual opportunities exist in the environment to creatively use and work with.

Occasionally time or logistics will not allow for

scouting, requiring plan B: entails re-sourceful research, such as contacting your client or an individual who's familiar with a location of interest, before the assignment takes place. Also, see if there's online resources, such as site photos or video of the intended location.

Okay, occa-sion-ally, no matter how detailed your road map, there'll be de-tours and that's when you go-in prepared for the unexpected. I did mention this tutorial involves ba-sic planing — now here's plan C: for the ABC's of planing an environmental portrait session; go to your subject’s environment prepared with all the necessary photographic and lighting equipment necessary, after that just look for the first visual elements which enhance your subject’s story and use them as background props. Ask a few relevant questions about the subjects workday or a basic dialogue to put them at ease and to find out what their interest are. In conclusion, this approach should create a relaxed atmosphere for using se-

lect visual elements needed for a successful environmental portrait session."

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Bellow are assignments from various clients, which use assorted visual elements to help tell their story.

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