Learn how to create timeless and classic heirloom portraits in this well-detailed article.
If you have ever seen those vintage-looking photographs with charmingly faded borders/edges, you will agree that they are not regular portraits. They have a unique nostalgic, and elegant style that differentiates them from normal portraits or headshots.
Photographers use a special technique called vignetting to create these portraits. This technique involves darkening or fading the edges of the photo, which makes the main subject in the center stand out. This is made possible via two main methods: The in-camera method and the post-processing method.
In this article, I will explain these methods and provide a step-by-step guide to help you produce beautiful heirloom portraits. But first…
What are heirloom vignetting portraits?
First, you should know that the word “heirloom” means an ornament or other object that has belonged to a family for a very long time and that has been handed down from one generation to another, according to Collins Dictionary.
Secondly, I stated earlier that vignetting is a technique that involves darkening or fading the edges of a photo to make it appear old and make the subject stand out. Therefore, we can say that heirloom vignetting portraits are photographs designed to be passed down to future generations.
Portrait photography aims at capturing the personality, character, and emotions. It can either be candid or artistic. Portrait photography requires more than just the ability to understand your camera settings, lighting, and composition.
You must also possess the ability to connect with your subjects and capture their unique qualities. So, it is a difficult but rewarding genre of photography.
Click Below to read a comprehensive guide to learning and mastering the art of portrait photography.
Heirloom vignette portraits are meant to tell a family’s story and history. If you have ever looked at your parents’ or grandparents’ black and white prints, there’s a strong possibility that you will be able to tell the era in which the photographs were taken.
Apart from their historical significance, family heirloom portraits also have artistic value. They are timeless and beautiful pieces of art. Heirloom portraits also hold immense sentimental value for families.
How to photograph heirloom vignetting portraits
Here is a step-by-step guide to help you photograph beautiful heirloom portraits.
1. Schedule the session on a special day
I recommend you schedule the shooting session on a day that will hold a special meaning for your subject. This could be during a big family gathering, the subject’s birthday, or any other day worthy of immortalizing.
Quick tip: You can communicate with the subject to know the best moment for the shot.
2. Choose a location with good natural light
Once you have the subject, look for a suitable location that has good natural light. Soft, diffused lighting is unarguably the best for heirloom photography. So consider having the session outdoors. You can use the backyard, garden, or any place with good natural light.
3. Photographing the picture
I recommend you take the shot with a wide aperture, such as f/2.8 or wider. This will allow you to achieve a shallow depth of field, creating a dreamy and nostalgic atmosphere in your heirloom vignetting portraits. Additionally, keep your ISO low to avoid image noise.
You can incorporate props that relate to this era or the story behind your subject to make the portrait more touching. If you want to capture a vintage-theme shot, consider including antique wallpaper, Professional tips for heirloom vignetting photography old-fashioned furniture, or vintage-inspired backdrops. But it’s important to incorporate only elements that can reveal the era in which the photo was taken, or your subject was born.
4. Add vignetting effect
You can add the vignetting effect to the portrait by using a simple camera hack or post-processing software. The in-camera technique involves attaching a filter to the front of your lens to produce a vignetting effect. But the easiest and most common way to add vignetting effect to the picture is with the aid of post-processing software, like Adobe Lightroom.
Here’s a step-by-step guide using Adobe Lightroom Radial Filter:
- Open Adobe Photoshop Import and select the image
- Head over to the develop module at the top right of the screen. Then, Locate the toolbar and click on the “Radial Filter” tool.
- Click and drag on the image to create an elliptical or circular shape where you want the vignette effect to be applied. When you are finished, release the mouse to see the effect.
- Then, head over to the “Effects” panel on the right side of the screen and click on the “Amount” slider. Drag it to the left to darken the area outside the shape, creating the vignette effect.
- You can fine-tune the effect by experimenting with other sliders like “Highlights,” “Shadows,” “Clarity,” and “Sharpness.”
- Once you are satisfied with the result, click the done button to finish.
It’s okay if you don’t get it right after your first attempt. You will eventually get it after a couple of attempts. So, keep practicing.
Below are a few things you can rely on when taking heirloom portraits:
1. Don’t forget the rule of composition
Consider the rule of thirds, the golden ratio, and other rules of composition when taking the picture. Ensure you frame the subject in a visually appealing way.
2. Pay attention to your subject’s outfit
Additionally, pay attention to your subject’s clothing, accessories, and overall styling. There are several best outfits for heirloom vignette portraits but opt for classic and timeless clothing pieces that would be relevant even after several years.
3. Learn how to take good headshots
I recommend you learn how to take professional headshots since heirloom portraits are usually close-up photographs that primarily focus on the subject’s face. This way, you will be able to capture beautiful pictures.
4. Consider printing
Although most people now prefer digital (soft) copies of their pictures, it’s best to print out the heirloom portraits on archival-quality paper. You should also consider adding frames to the portrait.
5. Consider color heirloom portraits
Finally, consider shooting and printing the pictures in color instead of traditional black and white. Black and white heirloom portraits are beautiful, but photography has greatly evolved, so try something different.