Ready to work on your photography? Let’s start with some portraits.

First, what is the goal of a portrait photograph? I think that the goal is to create an image that shows the personality or mood of the subject and sometimes tells a story about what the person is doing. What do you think?

(Here’s a tip. If you click on the thumbnail photos below, a larger version will open.)

For example, I think that this photo of Cealinn shows a lot of her personality. She was having a lot of fun running around in the grass that day and her smile and wide arms show that. Since the background is just the sunlit grass, the photo doesn’t really tell you much of a story though. What do you think? What do you like and dislike about this picture?

This photo of Colm and Cealinn in the tub, however, tells more of a story. You can see that they are in a tub and that they look happy, so you know that they are having fun in a bath. Do you agree? What do you like and dislike about this picture?

Now it’s your turn!

1. Leave a comment to this post. Tell me what you like and dislike about each picture?
2. Grab your camera and take some portrait photos.
3. Pick one photo that focuses on the expression of a person. Describe what it says about the person’s mood or personality.
4. Pick another photo that is an “Environmental Portrait”, that is one that includes background details that tell a story. Describe what’s going on and what you are trying to show.
5. Write a new post! Tell me what you think portrait photography is about. Include your best portrait images and describe them.

This is my best friend’s dog, Rooney. I took this picture yesterday. He’s a lab/boxer puppy.

I hope you like your new Nikon L14.