Portrait Photographer

Portrait Photography: Capturing Essence and Emotions.

As a portrait photographer, capturing the essence and emotions of people is not just a profession but a passionate art. At Hugh Anderson Photography, I specialize in creating captivating portraits that tell a unique story about each individual.

A portrait, as defined by Wikipedia, is “a painting, photograph, sculpture, or other artistic representation of a person, in which the face and its expressions are predominant.” It’s all about the face, the expression, and the mood that is conveyed in your portrait. My goal is to capture not just your image but the true essence of who you are.

What to Wear for Your Portrait Session

Before your portrait session, it’s essential to have a conversation with your portrait photographer about outfit choices, colors, and accessories. I understand that each portrait should reflect your personality and style, and that raises questions like “Do you want a formal, dressed-up look, or do you prefer a more casual, relaxed style?”

Or perhaps you’re aiming for a sultry, dramatic appearance. The choice is yours, but starting with a plan in mind can set the tone for the session. Whether you envision a fashion-forward portrait or one that evokes laughter or introspection, I’m here to help you achieve your vision. You can even explore the vast array of ideas available online to inspire your style choices.

Different Styles of Portraits

As a professional portrait photographer, I offer a variety of portrait styles, each with its unique charm:

Fine Art Portraits

I love creating fine art portraits that go beyond basic photography. Images that are not just captured, but artistically enhanced to add a touch of uniqueness that is brought by the artist. Fine art portraits may take on a “painterly” quality, with digital painting techniques that transform the original photograph into a work of art. While the term “fine art” is sometimes overused, I think that an enhanced, unique interpretation of your portrait becomes fine art.

Environmental Portraits

Environmental portraits are a way to capture an individual in their natural surroundings, whether that’s at home, work, or a location that holds significance for them. These portraits offer a glimpse into your life and personality within the context of your environment and are very different from a plain background studio portrait.

Black and White Portraits

Black and white portraits have a timeless and classic quality. They emphasize the interplay of light and shadow, creating striking and emotive images that focus on the essence of the subject. Portraits in black and white bring an entirely different feel to your images.

Where Will Your Portrait Find a Home?

One key question to consider is where you plan to display your portrait. Will it be a headshot for your professional online profile, a striking wall art piece, or a framed photograph to grace your shelf or desk? A headshot is ideal for business and social media purposes, while a professional portrait is meant to be prominently displayed. At Hugh Anderson Photography, the goal is to see your work of art not just on your device, but printed large, beautifully framed, and prominently showcased. Your portrait should be more than a digital file most people will never set eyes on, it should be a statement piece that makes a lasting impression every single day.

Is This a Special Occasion?

Whether you’re celebrating a milestone birthday, an empty nest, or any other significant life event, capturing a beautiful portrait is a way to freeze that moment in time. I believe that these moments should be captured forever, and passed down through generations. I know I would love a large portrait of my parents, grandparents, and so on. It’s what we leave behind that makes the memories. My goal is to provide you with a portrait that is not just beautiful but awe-inspiring. I want every visitor to your home to pause and exclaim, “Wow.” It’s that simple.

Get in touch today to discuss your portrait session and let me transform your vision into a stunning reality. Your story, your essence, your portrait – beautifully and artistically captured.

A Fascinating Bedsheet Story.

If you have a few minutes, watch this video. A world-famous actress is booked for a cover shoot. An entire New York subway station has been booked and paid for, it’s all blocked off. The photographer comes over from Europe. Then the actress decides that she doesn’t want to make the trip. It’s all re-arranged, and yet again it goes awry.

In the end, the cover shot was made with the actress standing in a corner, with a bed sheet. It’s absolutely iconic. And it goes to prove, you can use anything to create art, and even famous portrait photographers have challenges, and some!

Great Portrait Photographers.

Speaking of famous photographers, I have a list of who I consider in my humble opinion to be the best portrait photographers, masters in creating portrait photos,. Here are some links to images by people that definitely impress me with their photography skills and awesome work.  Check them out on Instagram & Facebook if you like.

Steve McCurry.  Annie Liebovitz.  Rory Lewis. Herb Ritts.

I can be inspired by the work of a fashion photographer, a street photographer, and even people who do fantastic self portraits. Photography is such a varied art form, you can draw inspiration from so many avenues, from Vogue and Vanity Fair, across the spectrum to National Geographic.