Practical Photography - UK (2020-04)

PRACTICALPHOTOGRAPHY.COM 41

25 Portrait Tips

Environmental

portrait skills

Storytelling is a crucial part of

a documentary photographer’s

job, as James Corbett explains.

THINK ABOUT YOUR

SUBJECT’S INTERESTS

#9 Context

The location you choose should complement your subject

and should never be an afterthought. If your subject doesn’t

relate to a particular setting, then choose a background and

setting which is neutral and offers plenty of light. If you’re

photographing a chef at work, for instance, then the ideal

setting would be a kitchen environment,

however you could equally use adoorway

to a restaurant or entrance to a kitchen

or storeroom for more of an informal

portrait. Consider the doorway asa

fr ame for your subject. This approach

can be applied to many situations–

th ink outside the box but always

re member to keep it in context.

TIP

DON’TJUST

SHOOTFACES

A cobbler’stoolsof thetrade

arejustas importantas the

workshop,so addto the

storywitha few

st ill life shots.