CLASSICAL PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY

Classical portraiture is the oldest style of portrait photography and is timeless. Its focus is on depicting the model and avoids trends in fashion

It is often referred to as formal or traditional photography. The photographer poses the model, either standing or sitting with a serious expression. Historically, this was because the first cameras had very long exposure time, which required the models to be still for long periods

The images are low key; dominated by mid-tones and shadows with little contrasts and few highlights. Typically, the images are black & white or sepia tone (brownish tone) although they can also be monotone. Since the 80’s, sepia tone has become popular again and photographers use it to give an antique appearance to images.

Of all the images I have taken over the past 20 years, my favourite is a classical portrait entitled "Schoolboys". This was a photograph I took of my two sons; Adam and Aaron, on the morning of Aaron’s first day of school. I directed the boys to look very serious and knew it was the image I wanted the minute I pressed the button. It was taken in 2006 but it could as easily been 1906. The 6ft x 3ft gilt framed print of this image takes pride of place in my landing, at home

I have put a link to the next shot that was taken just seconds later, entitled "Laughter".  I like it because it captures the real personalities of the boys and I can't help smiling every time I see it