An environmental portrait will teach the viewer something about who your subject is, what they do, or what is important to the subject. An environmental portrait falls somewhere between a traditional portrait and a documentary photo. It will be more natural than a traditional portrait and include details of the subject’s personal life.

• Background/location: This place should be important to your subject. In traditional portraits the background is insignificant, you can choose a shallow depth of field. With an environmental portrait, the environment should be in focus as it is just as important as the subject. For example: at home, at work, or a place of rest or play.
• Props: If you include props, they should be important in some way to your subject. Hobbies, sports, favorite toys, an item that has significant meaning to your subject.  
• Light: It is acceptable to modify light however you choose. Open the blinds, move your subject closer to a window, off camera flash, or any other light source
• Posing: If possible, guide them into a position that feels natural. Observe your subject to make note of how they naturally sit or stand and then guide them into a similar position for the photo.
• Expressions: Capture the subject’s natural body language and expressions. No big SMILES here…. because you want a relaxed expression. A great way to capture a natural expression is to get them talking, take the photo when they are thinking about something you asked. 

Why it works: These 4 best friends have grown up going down to the Dollar General together every afternoon… it’s part of their childhood and a place they frequent 

Why it works: Bella in her bedroom holding a baby doll. She loves her dolls and is right on the cusp on growing out of playing with them.  

Why it works: Madison loves her bedroom and her best friend, Luna.

Why it works: Olivia is in her backyard with her ducks. She spends a lot of time just hanging out with the ducks. 

Why it works: They have grown up here and this stop sign is their meeting place

Why it works: Olivia in her backyard hanging out on the trampoline.