3 reasons to love classic portrait photography

If you have perused my website, you know how important a classic portrait photography style is to me. My style tends toward cleaner, classic images, both in how they’re composed and edited. Why? Because I believe that if someone wants to preserve a moment in their life, that needs to be done with images that will stand the test of time.

How do I know a no-fuss, classic style is the way to do that? Is there really any way for someone to know? Well, yes. I do know, because I have proof: 

This photo was taken of me when I was a baby…37 years ago. It was taken by my mom’s friend who was a photojournalist at the newspaper where she worked. It’s exactly the style I aspire to today, and it is a photo to me that is simply classic. No extra props, no overdone editing. Just me, the baby, and my sparkling personality. This is a classic portrait that has definitely stood the test of time.

What is classic portrait photography?

The term “classic portrait photography” may seem straight-foward, but there are some things that, in my opinion, set the classics apart from the more trendy styles. The actual definition of the word classic as an adjective from Merriam-Webster says: serving as a standard of excellence; traditional, enduring; memorable.

Images are technically strong

This falls under the “standard of excellence” section of the definition of classic. Images that serve as a standard of excellence are photos that have a clear, in-focus subject. If it’s a color photo, the coloring is true to life, and if it’s a black and white photo there is an even range from black to white, with all the shades of grey in between (no harsh blacks or blown-out whites). And within the photo, regardless of it being color or black and white, the lighting is good.

Images show family bonds

To me, this falls into the realm of “traditional and enduring.” In both newborn photo sessions and family photo sessions, I make sure to show the relationships between family members. Classic portrait photography involves more than just pictures of faces. When done right, it reveals the connections we have to our kids, our spouses, and even our pets. Sometimes this looks like silly faces and games, sometimes it looks like kisses or snuggles. Sometimes it’s more pensive or calm. But the goal always is to be able to look at the photo and not only see that connection but feel it.

Images are emotive and heirloom-quality

And that is where the memorable aspect comes in to classic portrait photography. Sure, it’s nice to get that one shot of all the faces looking directly at the camera for grandma, but when I am able to capture feelings and connections, that to me is a successful shot. I think that’s also the reason I’m so drawn to black and white photography. The image is all about the light, the forms, the emotion. The element of color is stripped away, and along with it, distractions, and you’re left with an emotive image.

What isn’t classic portrait photography?

Anything that is a current “trend.” Think in terms of different editing styles: really dark or really bright, color-tinged images that are cooler or warmer than the actual scene. Blurry photos or overly dark or light black and white photos.

Now, don’t misunderstand me: I think trends are fun, especially as someone who enjoys the art of photography. I will always take the opportunity to try new ways to photograph and edit so I can push myself artistically. But we’re talking about classic portrait photography for my clients here, and those styles just simply do not fall under that umbrella.

Are you ready for it?

Yes, that was a not-so-veiled reference to Taylor Swift, who also never goes out of style. But are you ready for real? If my love for classic imagery resonates with you, and you also would like timeless images of your own family, please get in touch! I would love the chance to meet you, create some beautiful heirloom images for you, and show you just how much fun we can have in the process.

To set up a newborn or family photo session, you can get in touch with me through the contact form here: https://ericahurlburtphotography.com/contact

3 reasons to love classic portrait photography

Erica Hurlburt is an award winning Ventura County Photographer & Santa Barbara Family Photographer who specializes in newborn, family and school photography. Her style tends toward cleaner, classic images, both in how they’re composed and edited. Her goal in every session is to keep things relaxed and fun and to create images that are both meaningful and unique.

Erica serves clients in Camarillo, Ventura County, Newbury Park, Thousand Oaks, Westlake,
Malibu, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, Ojai and beyond.