Week 6: Photography

by | Oct 6, 2025 | Creative Fun with Photography

Portrait Photography

By the end of this lesson, you will:

  1. Understand the basics of portrait photography and why it’s different from snapshots.
  2. Learn about posing, backgrounds, and lighting for portraits.
  3. Practice taking portraits with natural light.

Scripture

“So God created mankind in His own image…” – Genesis 1:27

Every Person is Unique

  • Each person is created in YAH’s image, with their own personality, expression, and story.

  • Portrait photography is more than taking a picture — it’s about revealing the individuality and beauty of each subject.

  • Even small details — a smile, a glance, a gesture — reflect who they are and God’s creativity.

Course Content

Introduction to Portrait Photography
  • What makes a portrait different from a candid photo?

    1. Portrait Photos

    Definition: A portrait is a photo where the subject is aware of the camera and intentionally posed or directed.
    Characteristics:

    • Subject looks at the camera (or is posed in a deliberate way)

    • Often composed carefully with attention to lighting, background, and framing

    • Goal: Capture personality, emotion, or tell a story in a controlled way

    Example: A student standing in front of a school mural, smiling at the camera, framed nicely with good lighting.

    2. Candid Photos

    Definition: A candid photo is taken spontaneously, usually without the subject posing or even realizing the picture is being taken.
    Characteristics:

    • Natural, unplanned moments

    • Shows genuine emotions, interactions, or actions

    • Often used to tell a story about real life or events

    Example: Students laughing together during lunch or cheering at a game — unposed, authentic moments.

    3. Key Differences

    Aspect Portrait Candid
    Awareness of camera Yes Usually no
    Pose Deliberate Natural / unplanned
    Goal Show personality or appearance clearly Capture emotion, interaction, or story
    Control Photographer controls lighting, composition, background Photographer adapts to moment

  • Elements of a strong portrait:

    • Eyes in focus

    • Good lighting

    • Clean, non-distracting background
    • Natural, comfortable pose
Composition Tips for Portraits
  • Rule of Thirds for placing eyes.

  • Headroom and chin space.

  • Avoiding cluttered backgrounds.

  • Using leading lines to draw attention to the subject.
  • Cropping tips (don’t cut off at joints).
Lighting for Portraits
  • Best times of day: golden hour (morning & late afternoon).

  • Use of shade for soft light.

  • Side lighting for depth.
  • Backlighting for glow/hair light (use reflector to bounce light to face).
Hands-On Portrait Practice
  • Students pair up — one photographer, one model.
  • Take 3 portraits:
    1. In shade with soft light.
    2. No distraction in background.
    3. Using Rule of Thirds composition.

Switch roles after 10 minutes.

Review Discussion

Before starting the game:

  • “What was your favorite part of the scavenger hunt?”

  • “Who remembers what the three parts of the Exposure Triangle are?”

  • “What are some ways you can frame your subject?”

  • “What’s the difference between hard and soft light?”

 

Homework

Take 3 portraits outside of class. Each photo should demonstrate one of the following:

  1. Natural Shade Portrait

    • Find a spot with soft, even light (e.g., under a tree, near a building, or on a cloudy day).

    • Goal: Avoid harsh shadows and highlight the subject’s features naturally.

  2. Backlit Portrait

    • Position your subject with the light source behind them (sun or bright sky).

    • Goal: Experiment with silhouettes, rim lighting, or a glowing effect around the subject.

  3. Creative Choice Portrait

    • Try a style or lighting of your choice (e.g., golden hour, window light, dramatic shadows, or a candid-looking portrait).

    • Goal: Apply what you’ve learned about composition, Rule of Thirds, and focus.

Requirements:

  • Each portrait must clearly focus on your subject.

  • Avoid cluttered or distracting backgrounds.

  • Include a brief caption for each photo describing:

    • Location

    • Type of lighting used

    • Why you chose that composition

Submission:

  • Upload your three photos to Google Classroom (or class platform) before the next class.

  • Be prepared to share your favorite photo and explain your choices to the class.