How to Capture Good Environmental Portraits

Have you ever wondered why a photographer might choose an environmental portrait over a studio portrait? Environmental portraits tell a story by showcasing your subject within their surroundings. Today we explore the reasons behind this approach and fill you in on the skills required to create captivating environmental portraits that go beyond a simple headshot.

Perhaps you have seen a photograph of a baker with an apron on, hard at work in their bakery, or a musician tuning their instrument backstage before a performance. These images, of people in their chosen environments, are environmental portraits.

While we love the simplicity of a studio portrait, and praise the skill required to capture a captivating one, an environmental portrait can tell a more complete tale of your subject. It leaves fewer blanks for the viewer to fill with their imagination. As your subject is in a space they feel comfortable in, they will be more at ease, leading to a more authentic image.

Another benefit of environmental portraits is your portfolio of work will be brimming with variety. There are many subjects to choose from worldwide, with a huge range of backdrops, so your portrait work will likely have more impact when viewed as a whole.

If you are into self-portraits, you can still enjoy the benefits of an environmental portrait. What is the difference between an environmental self-portrait and a traditional selfie? It’s the same deal! Rather than a standard headshot with a plain backdrop, you place yourself in different environments and set up the self-timer.

The great part about this is that you are not hemmed in by reality. Feel free to explore different scenes and try out your acting chops; look to the work of photographic artists like Cindy Sherman if you want some inspiration.

So, now that we know what it is, what elements should be considered when selecting a suitable environment for an environmental portrait? And what is the most flattering lens for portraits? The following tips and points have been compiled to help you capture great environmental portraits.

Location Scouting is key: The environment should tell a story about your subject. Look for interesting backdrops that can fill in the blanks to give a complete story, but will not overshadow your subject completely.

Concept Development: Brainstorm ideas beforehand! Consider themes, professions, or hobbies that can be visually represented in the setting. Turn to your family and friends for inspiration if you are looking for subjects, Remember, it doesn’t have to be too flashy. Interesting subjects for environmental portraits truly come from all walks of life.

Rapport is Crucial: If your model is not someone you know, make sure you spend time with them before you start taking pictures, so you can build rapport and put them at ease. This is true for all portraits, but even more so in environmental photography, and is of particular importance if you are working with someone who is not a professional model.

Don't forget the props: Props relevant to your subject are the perfect way to fill in the missing pieces, but use them to enhance, not overwhelm. Choose objects that genuinely connect to your subject's story, subtly adding depth to the image.

Mirrorless camera -

Mirrorless cameras are ideal for environmental portraits: their compact size lets you explore environments freely, while their larger, often full-frame sensors deliver stunning image quality. Through their wide range of compatible lenses, including lightweight primes for beautiful bokeh and versatile zooms for quick framing adjustments,  you can tell your environmental story through captivating portraits.

What is the best lens for environmental portraits?
When choosing a lens for environmental portraiture, a shift in perspective is necessary compared to traditional portraiture. While longer focal lengths excel at isolating the subject, environmental portraits require capturing the context. Therefore, a normal or even slightly wide-angle lens is optimal to encompass the surrounding scene. Additionally, a fast maximum aperture is desirable. This allows for a balance between showcasing the background and maintaining subject separation through a pleasant blur effect. The goal is to visually connect the subject to their environment while ensuring they remain the central focus of the image.

Lighting gear - 

Lighting portraits on location can be a bit tricky, but it’s worth it as it can elevate your work in a few key ways. As space can be an issue, reaching for smaller flash options, like Speedlights, can be a game-changer. They add a pop of light to your subject, especially helpful in low-light environments or harsh shadows. When it comes to lighting for your environmental portraits, the real magic lies in subtlety. Using flash to provide fill light can seem natural, but banish unflattering shadows from your subject's face, making their features pop without feeling artificial. 

Prefer to keep things authentic and rely on natural light for your photographs? You can still accessorise to produce more eye-catching images. An affordable and simple accessory, such as a reflector can bounce available light back onto your subject, adding a touch of brightness and filling in minor shadows for a more polished look.

Environmental portraiture is a powerful tool for capturing the essence of a model within their surroundings. By placing subjects in familiar environments, we can reveal deeper layers of their identity and create images that resonate with viewers. Whether you're exploring the world through the lens of environmental portraiture or delving into the depths of self-expression through environmental self-portraits, the possibilities are endless.

Follow our photography blog for more portraiture advice and inspiration.