Enviromental Portriture

SFCC photography student, Brady Hearrean, poses with a medium format camera outside the new photography gallery on the SFCC campus in Spokane, Washington, Tuesday, October 1, 2024.

Environmental portraiture is a powerful form of photography that delves into an individual's essence by portraying them within their natural surroundings, such as their workplace or office. This approach goes beyond conventional portraiture by utilizing the environment to convey a richer, more comprehensive narrative about the person.

Environmental portraiture is an art form that seeks to create a final image with a compelling storytelling element. While a standard portrait set against a picturesque backdrop may be aesthetically pleasing, an environmental portrait uniquely provides viewers with a deeper understanding of the individual's identity, profession, and values.

Practicing environmental portraiture is an invaluable exercise for photographers looking to hone their skills. It involves immersing oneself in the subject's world, gaining insight into their passions, daily activities, and core values, and then utilizing their environment to capture a series of photographs that collectively narrate their story.

In a recent class session, we dedicated our efforts to practicing this skill. For example, I had the opportunity to photograph a fellow photography student against the backdrop of our campus, exploring various locations and taking turns behind the camera. One of my peers, Brady, shared his journey of transitioning from the construction industry to pursuing a career in photography. While he is still studying photography, he is also currently working as a portrait and wedding photographer.