Portraiture photography styles

Photography is like most things: there are several sectors within the subject – same goes with music or painting.

Portraiture is very specific – it is also usually related to studio work, with a lot of time dedicated to details…this is what makes the difference, in general.

Despite being just about taking photographs of portraits, there are a lot of various styles within that range.

It is not just about pressing the shutter but each photographer is actually projecting a trademark of his/her work.

Lets take a look at 3 photographers with a specific style.

Firstly is Anton Corbijn: a real specialist of infrared portraits.

“…He is the creative director behind the visual output of Depeche Mode and U2…” source

Most of us have seen his work probably without knowing that he was the man behind the camera.

Depeche Mode by Anton Corbijn

U2 by Anton Corbijn

Clint Eastwood by Anton Corbijn

Secondly is Benjamin J Borley, who is also a filmmaker.

His photographs are very…vibrant and intriguing (in a good way) at the same time: the texture of the skin/the eyes of the individuals want to make you touch the surface of the images (careful with the fingerprints though).

Lindsey 2011 – Photo (c) benjamin j borley

Adrian 2011 – Photo (c) benjamin j borley

There is also a full and complete photostream on Benjamin J Borley’s Flickr.

Thirdly is German photographer Thomas Ruff. A very different and distinctive style usually with a white backdrop.

The “fun” bit about these shots? They really look like photographic ID collected over the years…but THIS is what makes Ruff unique after all. Maybe slightly rigid and clinical compared to Corbijn and Borley?

Thomas Ruff Portraits Photography

“…typically shown with emotionless expressions, sometimes face-on, sometimes in profile, and in front of a plain background…” source

So, why showing or even comparing these pictures?

It all looks very simple and easy…especially when some people keep saying “well, they are just taking photos!” – We could then respond “DJs are only playing music (sadly less vinyl and more mp3 tracks), aren’t they?“.

However, the knowledge is necessary to find the right balance whether in photography or music! It is like making a cocktail with the correct measures and spirits…otherwise, the end product is just awful.

But photography is directly linked to fashion as the image is very useful to sell…even in the music industry – and occasionally international corporate head hunters are needed to find THAT face which will make the product viral…it is all about the visual…

Nevertheless, fine art photography will remain, and mainstream/commercial photography is another topic which could be covered – probably not – in a future article but let’s leave this to someone else.