Portrait Photography Flashcard

Front

When did portrait photography gain popularity?

Back

Mid 19th century

Answer explanation

Portrait photography gained popularity in the mid 19th century with the advent of more accessible photographic techniques, such as the daguerreotype, allowing more people to have their likeness captured.

Front

What is a key focus of a traditional portrait?

Back

The subject's face, often with an emphasis on the eyes

Answer explanation

A traditional portrait primarily focuses on the subject's face, highlighting the eyes to convey emotion and personality. This emphasis helps to create a connection between the viewer and the subject.

Front

What is true about portrait photography?

Back

It can include props, be candid, staged, or include multiple people.

Answer explanation

The correct choice highlights that portrait photography can be versatile, incorporating props, being candid or staged, and featuring multiple subjects, making it a broad and inclusive genre.

Front

What is the main goal of portrait photography?

Back

To capture the personality of the subject

Answer explanation

The main goal of portrait photography is to capture the personality of the subject, showcasing their character and emotions, rather than focusing on the background, lighting, or poses.

Front

What elements are important in portrait photography to convey a sense of who the person is?

Back

Effective lighting, backdrops, and poses

Answer explanation

Effective lighting, backdrops, and poses are crucial in portrait photography as they help to highlight the subject's personality and emotions, creating a more engaging and authentic representation of who the person is.

Front

Type of lighting used in portrait photography?

Back

Directional light

Answer explanation

Directional light is commonly used in portrait photography to create depth and highlight facial features, making it the correct choice. Macro light is for close-ups, strobe light is for flashes, and candle light is too soft.

Front

What is an important aspect of portrait photography that focuses on the subject's facial features?

Back

It's all about the eyes

Answer explanation

In portrait photography, the eyes are crucial as they convey emotion and connection. Focusing on the eyes enhances the subject's facial features, making them the focal point of the image, which is essential for impactful portraits.

Front

Which element is NOT mentioned as a part of lighting in portrait photography? Options: Ambient light, Fill flash, Reflector, Softbox

Back

Softbox

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'Softbox' because it is not typically mentioned as a part of lighting in portrait photography, while ambient light, fill flash, and reflectors are commonly used elements.

Front

In portrait photography, what is used to enhance the subject's appearance by bouncing light?

Back

Reflector

Answer explanation

In portrait photography, a reflector is used to bounce light onto the subject, enhancing their appearance by softening shadows and providing a more flattering illumination.

Front

What type of lens should you use if available to minimize distortion and push out the background? Options: Wide-angle lens, Telephoto lens, Macro lens, Fish-eye lens

Back

Telephoto lens

Answer explanation

A telephoto lens compresses the background and minimizes distortion, making it ideal for isolating subjects and pushing the background further away. This is why it is the correct choice for the given question.