Portrait Photography

Two tips I liked: 

Whenever you are photographing someone, try to think of details of their body or dress that would get your message across in an indirect way.

You may want to make photographs of people going about their business—vendors in a market, a crowd at a sports event, the line at a theater. You don't want them to appear aware of the camera. Many times people will see you, then ignore you because they have to concentrate on what they are doing. You want the viewers of the image to feel that they are getting an unguarded, fly-on-the-wall glimpse into the scene.

Environmental Portrait

I chose this photo because I love how the subject is partially obscured by the vibrant color of what seem to be cherry blossoms, and how the ones in the foreground are out of focus, making them seem cloud-like and giving the photo a sort of dreamy look.

Self Portrait

I like this sort of vintage take on the modern mirror selfie. The soft lighting and the camera make it seem old-timey, and I find it very aesthetically pleasing to look at. 

Casual Portrait

I like this casual wedding portrait because it seems somewhat candid; the subject isn't looking at the camera and is instead smiling as she looks out the window of her car, making it seem as if the photographer has captured some of the genuine joy of the bride. 

1. What are the characteristics of an environmental portrait?

An environmental portrait is characterized by where it is taken and what importance or significance that place has to the subject. 
2. What is the difference between an environmental portrait and a casual portrait?

An environmental portrait is about the subject's relationship to the environment they're being photographed in, and a casual one is more about the subject themselves, trying to find a candid moment where their thoughts are shining through. 
3. What will you need to do to get a really good self-portrait?

You need to always be on the lookout for the perfect moment to take a shot, you need to make sure you're not too far away from your subject, and you need to try and give your portrait's subject humanity, not making it stiff and impersonal. 
4.  When you go take these pictures, and you will eventually turn in one of each, a portrait and a self-portrait, describe to me what you would like to do and who you would like to take a portrait of and where you might shoot these images.

I'd kind of like to maybe take a photo of a girl adjusting her makeup in the school bathroom because I think that could be a really personal and interesting moment. I'd probably have one of my friends do it.