When editing the photos I actually really liked how most of them turned out but I just was changing the exposure and blacks to give a deeper effect that I was looking for and could even change some into black and white to be like the inspiration.

Rembrandt Edited Photos;

Butterfly Edited photos;

Most Butterfly lighting Photos I saw and used as inspiration were in black and white and once I edited and put this photo into black and white I really liked it I thought it gave a good effect to the photo and made the white pop.

Chiaroscuro edited photos;

The photo and how I edited it

Photoshoot 1

This is my first photoshoot taking mainly photos using Rembrandt lighting but also some with Chiaroscuro, I have taken 64 photos, using these techniques in my first photoshoot, and now will eliminate ones I don’t want or like, then save the ones I want to edit.

Once I rejected the ones I didn’t want from this photoshoot I was left with 21 photos I can now edit.

Photoshoot 2:

In this photoshoot I did similar things but tried with butterfly lighting a chiaroscuro lighting more, now I am picking what are the best.

After deciding which ones I liked I ended with 12 as there was lots I felt didn’t fit in with the lighting technique.

What is chiaroscuro lighting?

Chiaroscuro lighting is a technique that uses a strong contrast between light and dark arears to create dramatic effects.

Why use chiaroscuro lighting?

Chiaroscuro lighting is often used to create a sense of drama, mood, and depth in art and photography. it can evoke emotions, add visual interest, and enhance the overall composition of an image. By playing with light and shadow, chiaroscuro lighting can create a captivating and dynamic visual experience.

Chiaroscuro lighting set up;

Examples of Chiaroscuro photos;

Examples I took in the studio;

What is Butterfly lighting?

Butterfly lighting is a popular lighting technique use in portrait photograph. It involves positing the main light source directly in front of the subject and slightly above their eye level. this creates a small, butterfly- shaped shadow under their nose. Butterfly lighting is known for its flattering and soft illumination. as it helps to minimize shadows and highlight the subjects features. its commonly used in beauty and fashion photography to create a glamorous and elegant look.

Why use butterfly lighting?

Butterfly lighting is often used because it creates a flattering and soft illumination. The positioning of the light source helps to minimize shadows, resulting in a glamourous and elegant look. Its commonly used in beauty and fashion photography to enhance he subjects appearance and create a visually appealing image.

From this photo you can see the clear shadow under the nose that gives butterfly lighting its name.

This is the butterfly lighting set up;

Examples of Butterfly lighting photos;

Examples I took in the studio;

what is Rembrandt lighting?

Rembrandt lighting is a technique named after the Dutch painter Rembrandt. Its the chacterised by a small triangle of light on the subject cheeks opposite the light source, creating a dramatic and shadowy effect. Its often used in portrait photography to add depth and dimension to the subjects face.

Why use Rembrandt lighting?

Many Photographers use Rembrandt lighting because it creates a dramatic and artistic effect in portraits. it involves positioning the main light, source at a 45-degree angle to the subject. creating a triangle-shaped highlight on the cheek opposite the light source. This technique adds depth and dimension to the subjects faces, accentuating their features and creating a sense of mood and atmosphere in the photograph.

Rembrandt lighting set up;

Some example I took in class;

When using lighting you must think of the following when creating a desired outcome:

• Intensity of the light
• Direction of the light
• Temperature of the Light (Warm or cold + white balance)
• use of ” the golden hour”
• Using reflectors (silver/gold)

This is my three favourite photos from this task. They are presented in an art gallery form as a better way to show them off.

I really liked these ones because even before edited i thought they looked better then the rest I also feel like they show very very clearly what the task was a fit in with the inspiration and the environmental portraits.

I like all my pictures but some need improvement the main improvement is probably my photography directing before the photo is taken as lots are the subject looking away from the camera, which isn’t incorrect just not the aim.

For this photo I really liked it and thought it would really work being black and white but I hated how there was a gloomy dark background not making him or the environment stand out enough. I also thought that it would look cool in black and white but to have the subtle vibrancy of red from poppies and his badges so they stand out a bit more.

These are the photos that I picked out of each of my photoshoots because I thought they were the best ones.

Photoshoot 1:

Photoshoot 2:

Photoshoot 3:

Photoshoot 4:

Photoshoot 5:

Photoshoot 6:

Photoshoots 7:

Photoshoot 8:

These one I have picked because I liked them the best and plan to edit them.

What is Environmental portrait?

An environmental portrait is a photograph that depicts a person within their natural or chosen surroundings. The surroundings in the photograph play a vital role in showcasing the personality, character, or profession of the subject. These portraits aim to capture not only the physical appearance of the person but also their connection to the environment.

Why are environmental portraits important?

Environmental portraits are important for several reasons:

1. Context and Storytelling: By placing the subject within their surroundings, environmental portraits provide viewers with a better understanding of who the person is and what their life is like. The surroundings offer valuable context and help to tell a visual story.

2. Personality and Identity: Environmental portraits capture the subject’s personality and identity by showcasing them in a setting that is important to them. This can reveal aspects of their interests, profession, lifestyle, or cultural background.

3. Authenticity and Connection: Environmental portraits can create a deeper connection between the viewer and the subject by showing them in a familiar or relatable setting. It helps to establish a sense of authenticity and allows the viewer to relate to the subject’s experiences.

4. Visual Interest: Including the environment in the photograph adds visual interest and depth to the composition. It provides additional elements such as textures, colors, or patterns that can enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of the image.

5. Emotional Impact: By focusing on the subject and their environment, environmental portraits have the potential to evoke emotions. They can evoke a sense of nostalgia, admiration, curiosity, or empathy by capturing moments that reflect the subject’s emotions or experiences in their surroundings.

Overall, environmental portraits offer a unique and engaging way to visually represent people within their natural or chosen environment, providing a more comprehensive understanding of their lives and stories.

Mood Board

Mind Map

How do we use environmental portraits?

Environmental portraits can be used in various ways, depending on the context and purpose.

1. Editorial and Documentary Photography: Environmental portraits are often used in magazines, newspapers, and documentaries to accompany articles or stories. They help to bring the subject’s experiences and surroundings to life, adding depth and authenticity to the narrative.

2. Corporate and Professional Portraits: Environmental portraits are frequently used in corporate settings to showcase employees, executives, or professionals in their work environment. They can be used for company websites, marketing materials, or professional profiles, providing a more personal and relatable representation of individuals within their professional context.

3. Personal Portraiture: Environmental portraits can be used for personal purposes, such as capturing family members, friends, or oneself in meaningful locations. This allows individuals to showcase their personal character, interests, or relationships within their chosen environments.

4. Artistic Expression: Environmental portraits can also be a tool for artistic expression. Photographers can use unique locations, lighting, and compositions to create visually stunning portraits that convey emotions, stories, or conceptual ideas.

What can environmental portraits say about us?

1. Interests and Hobbies: The choice of environment in an environmental portrait can reveal a person’s interests, hobbies, or passions. For example, a portrait taken in a workshop filled with tools may suggest that the subject is a skilled craftsman or artist.

2. Profession and Expertise: Environmental portraits in a work setting can indicate a person’s profession or area of expertise. For instance, a portrait taken in a laboratory may suggest that the subject is a scientist or researcher.

3. Cultural Identity: The environment and props within an environmental portrait can reflect a person’s cultural identity. Elements such as traditional clothing, artifacts, or symbolic objects can provide insights into a person’s heritage or cultural background.

4. Lifestyle and Personality: Environmental portraits can convey aspects of a person’s lifestyle or personality. For example, a portrait taken in a cozy living room full of books and plants might indicate a love for reading and a preference for a relaxed and nurturing environment.

5. Relationships and Connections: Environmental portraits that include other people or significant objects can communicate relationships and connections. A portrait taken with family members, friends, or beloved pets can show the importance of these relationships to the subject’s life.

6. Environment and Values: Environmental portraits can reflect a person’s values and beliefs. For instance, a portrait taken in a natural landscape may suggest a deep appreciation for nature and environmental conservation.

7. Emotional State: The environment and composition of an environmental portrait can sometimes reveal the subject’s emotional state. Elements such as lighting, facial expressions, and body language combined with the surroundings can convey emotions like joy, solitude, or contemplation.