What is an Environmental Portrait?

An environmental portrait is a photograph of a person's natural surroundings, such as home or workplace. The goal is to capture the subject's personality and life by showing them in the context of their environment. 

Environmental Portrait Assignment: Photographing Teachers in Their Classrooms

Objective:
Students will learn to create compelling environmental portraits that capture the personality and profession of their subject in a meaningful setting. By photographing teachers in their classrooms, students will practice storytelling through composition, lighting, and contextual details.

Assignment Details

Goal:
Create a series of 3 environmental portraits that showcase a teacher in their classroom environment. The portraits should reflect the teacher’s personality, role, and the atmosphere of their classroom.

Key Components to Highlight in the Photos:

1. Subject: The teacher should be the focal point of the portrait. Pay attention to facial expressions, posture, and interaction with the environment.

2. Environment: Include elements of the classroom that help tell the story (e.g., books, tools, whiteboards, art supplies).

3. Lighting: Experiment with both natural and artificial light to enhance mood and clarity.

4. Composition: Use framing, leading lines, or other techniques to guide the viewer’s eye.

Steps to Complete the Assignment

1. Select a Teacher:

   • Choose a teacher whose classroom and teaching style interest you.

   • Schedule a time to photograph them.

2. Pre-Shoot Interview:

   • Spend a few minutes talking with the teacher to understand their subject, teaching philosophy, and classroom dynamics.

   • Ask about meaningful objects or areas in their classroom that represent their work.

3. Plan the Shoot:

   • Decide on angles, framing, and lighting ahead of time.

   • Identify props, decorations, or classroom details to incorporate into the image.

4. Photograph:

   • Take multiple shots to capture a variety of expressions, poses, and interactions.

   • Experiment with wide, medium, and close-up shots for different perspectives.

Tips for Success

• Engage Your Subject: Build rapport with the teacher to make them comfortable in front of the camera.

• Be Observant: Look for details in the classroom that add depth to the portrait.

• Use Depth of Field: Blur the background slightly to keep the focus on the teacher while still showing the environment.