Portrait & Studio Photography: Activity 1

Activity 1
Look through assorted media, magazines, internet and collect four portrait photographs. The environment should be a key feature in two of the four images. Describe the subject’s character in each of the images. What can you see within each image that leads you to these conclusions about the subjects’ character.

Empire Magazine, April 2013 Edition - Empireonline.com

This magazine cover features Robert Downey Jr. on the cover in his Iron Man armor. The background features a dark sky and the foreground has sparks, to signify that there is trouble. Obviously the cover promotes Iron Man 3, so it's supposed to show that he is heroic (RDJ's pose), he is in for one heck of a fight (the sparks and slight scratches on the armor), and the situation may seem hopeless but he will keep going (the dark sky with a little bit of sun on a cloud).

Jared Leto, Oscars 2014 - Hollywoodreporter.com

This is a photo of Jared Leto during his acceptance speech for Best Supporting Actor at the 2014 Oscars. Leto is the focus of the picture, as shown by the shallow depth of field, which is a good idea since he's up on the stage to accept an award.

Untitled - Patrizia Burra

This is a photo by Patricia Burra, and it utilizes studio lighting to put emphasis on certain parts of a girls face. There are shadows around the girls eyes and under her lips which adds some depth to the picture so the viewer can see that the girl is making a pouty face.

Adam Gontier - Larry Marano

This is a photo of former Three Days Grace Singer, Adam Gontier. The photo depicts Gontier backstage  before performing at The Sound Advice Amphitheater in Florida. Gontier's relaxed pose in the picture shows that he isn't worried about going out to perform because he's used to it.