Unlocking the Magic of 80s Portrait Photography Styles
Have you ever looked at an 80s portrait and felt a quiet connection to the moment?
That soft light, the thoughtful poses, the warmth that seems to come through the image itself. It’s not always easy to capture that feeling in our own photos, but you’re not alone in wanting to try.
Here, we’ll walk through the essential skills and techniques of 80s portrait photography — helping you bring the magic of this era into your own work. Whether you’re just starting out or revisiting this timeless style, you’ll find inspiration in the simplicity of it all.
In this article, we’ll explore:
- Lighting techniques to bring your portraits to life
- The subtle art of styling and accessories
- Tips for creating portraits that feel genuine and not rushed
Take a moment to slow down, reflect, and see how the beauty of the 80s can influence your photography.
1. What is 80s Portrait Photography?
80s portrait photography is a style of taking pictures that was common during the 1980s. It usually shows a person in a quiet, thoughtful pose — often in a studio with soft backgrounds and warm lighting. These images were often taken on film, which gave them a natural look, with soft colors and gentle shadows.
A typical photo shoot from this time might include big lights, a simple backdrop, and careful attention to the way the light touched the subject’s head, hair, and face. It wasn’t about being perfect. It was about being present.
2. Why Try 80s Portrait Photography?
There’s something peaceful about these photographs. They don’t rush. They let you look closely. If you enjoy quiet moments and finding beauty in small things, you might love this style.
Trying 80s portrait photography is not about copying the past. It’s about learning from it. These photos remind us to slow down, to notice the person in front of the lens, and to make room for real emotion. Whether you’re a new photographer or someone who just wants to remember a different time, this style has something to offer.
See Also Vintage Portrait Photography
3. Essential 80s Portrait Photography Skills
Creating memorable 80s portrait photography involves a blend of technical know-how and creative vision. By mastering the art of lighting, choosing the right background, setting your camera, and editing thoughtfully, you can bring the timeless elegance of this era into your own work.
These steps will help your portraits stand out, capturing the essence of the 80s with every shot. Here’s what you should focus on:
Lighting Techniques
Lighting is the foundation of 80s portrait photography. It shapes the mood of the image, highlighting the subject’s features while creating soft shadows and depth. The 80s navigated lighting that wasn’t harsh but still had enough contrast to give the image dimension. Here are key lighting techniques:
- Soft Lighting: Soft lighting from diffused sources like softboxes or umbrellas was often used. It creates a smooth, natural feel that adds warmth to the skin without harsh shadows. In the 80s, photographers used natural light or controlled artificial light to achieve this look, often in studio settings.
- Backlighting: Backlighting was also common, where light would be placed behind the subject. This technique often created a halo effect, especially around the subject’s hair, adding to the softness of the portrait and making the person stand out from the background.
- Rembrandt Lighting: A classic technique, where light is positioned at an angle to create a triangular patch of light on the shadowed side of the face. This technique adds depth and dimension to the portrait without overwhelming the subject.
Camera Settings
While the lighting sets the mood, your camera settings help define the details. To capture 80s portraits with the same feeling as those taken on film, understanding your exposure settings is essential.
- Aperture Settings: Use a wide aperture (like f/2.8 or f/4) to focus on the subject’s face while blurring the background. This was a common approach in 80s portraiture, helping to isolate the subject in the image while maintaining a sense of softness.
- Shutter Speed: A moderate shutter speed (like 1/125 or 1/160) works well to capture the subject in sharp detail, while still allowing for some natural movement. Avoid too fast a shutter speed as it may result in a stiff, unnatural feel in the portrait.
- ISO Settings: In the 80s, film grain added texture to portraits, but with digital cameras, you can control this with your ISO settings. Keep the ISO low (around 100 or 200) for crisp, clean shots with minimal noise. However, if you want to recreate that soft, grainy feel, feel free to experiment with higher ISO.
Background and Composition
The background in 80s portraits was never too busy, often soft and simple to ensure the subject stood out. The focus was on the person, not the surroundings.
- Plain Backgrounds: A single-color background was common. Soft tones like light grays or blues allowed the subject’s hair, accessories, and expression to shine. Backgrounds in studio portraits often added to the sense of calm without competing for attention.
- Depth and Space: The background wasn’t just flat. There was often subtle depth. A softly blurred background or a gradient of light behind the subject created a sense of space, making the portrait feel like it was taken in a room, rather than against a wall.
- Subject Placement: Position your subject slightly off-center in the frame, allowing space in the direction they are facing. This was a popular compositional choice during the 80s, creating a natural, relaxed feeling in the portrait.
Styling and Accessories
One of the defining features of 80s portraits is the styling. Hair, clothing, and accessories were bold yet personal, often revealing something about the subject’s character. Here’s how to handle styling:
- Hair: Volume was key. Big hair, curls, or structured styles were common during the 80s. You don’t need to go over the top, but consider a style that adds shape and texture, giving the portrait a bit of personality.
- Accessories: Think simple yet expressive. Earrings, necklaces, or even eyeglasses were often part of the portrait. They didn’t overshadow the subject, but they added a quiet layer to the image that felt personal and real.
- Clothing Choices: Choose clothing that reflects the subject’s personality but doesn’t dominate the image. Bright colors or simple, classic pieces were common. The 80s weren’t about overwhelming patterns but about subtle statements.
See Also Vintage Portrait Photography Ideas
4. 80s Portrait Photography Styles
The 80s brought a distinctive set of styles to portrait photography, with each technique offering its own mood and atmosphere. By exploring different lighting setups, background choices, and subject placements, you can create 80s portraits that reflect the unique charm of this decade.
Here are five iconic 80s portrait photography styles to try:
Classic Studio Portraits
Classic studio portraits from the 80s are known for their clean, controlled lighting and simple backgrounds. These portraits are all about elegance, focusing on the subject’s face and expression while keeping distractions to a minimum.
- Lighting: A soft, even light was often used, with one or two light sources positioned to create subtle shadows. A large softbox or umbrella could provide the soft, diffused light that made these portraits feel warm and inviting.
- Background: The background was typically simple — a plain color or a gently textured fabric. Neutral tones, like beige or soft pastels, helped the subject stand out.
- Mood: These portraits often had a calm and serene vibe. The clean simplicity of the image created a timeless feel, making it great for formal portraits or family photos.
Glamorous Fashion Portraits
The 80s were a time of bold fashion, and this style of portrait photography captured that energy. Glamorous fashion portraits showcased dramatic styling, with heavy makeup, voluminous hair, and statement outfits. This style embraced exaggeration and larger-than-life expressions.
- Lighting: For this style, photographers often used hard light to accentuate sharp features and create high contrast. A strong key light with minimal fill was popular for creating sharp shadows and bright highlights.
- Background: Bright, high-energy backgrounds or reflective surfaces like mirrors were common. These helped highlight the subject’s larger-than-life look while maintaining a sense of depth.
- Mood: The mood was bold, energetic, and full of personality. These portraits often conveyed confidence, empowerment, and creativity, capturing the essence of 80s pop culture and fashion.
High-Key Portraits
High-key portraits are known for their soft, bright lighting that creates a clean and airy feel. This style removes most shadows, leaving the subject illuminated and soft, giving the photograph a fresh and youthful look that was often used in beauty and lifestyle shots.
- Lighting: To achieve high-key lighting, use soft diffused light sources from multiple directions to eliminate harsh shadows. A lightbox or a large umbrella light would help create that soft, even effect.
- Background: A light, neutral, or even white background is typical for this style, ensuring the focus remains entirely on the subject, who appears to glow with natural beauty.
- Mood: This style evokes feelings of innocence, softness, and warmth. High-key portraits are ideal for capturing beauty, fashion, or lifestyle moments that radiate positivity.
5. Creating Your Own 80s Portrait Collection
You don’t need a time machine to try this style. You can start with what you have. A simple space. A willing friend. Some soft light. Take your photograph slowly. Look closely. Try not to rush.
Look at old photos for inspiration. Notice how people stood. What they wore. What the light did. Then try to create your own. You might find that something real shows up — something you didn’t plan. Over time, your collection will grow. Each picture will be its own quiet memory, just like the images from the 80s.
Key Takeaways: 80s Portrait Photography
In this article, we’ve explored the essence of 80s portrait photography, uncovering the techniques that made this era stand out. From playing with light to choosing the right background, the 80s were about capturing the soul of a moment — a delicate balance between controlled styling and raw, authentic expression.
Whether you’re drawn to the simplicity of classic studio portraits or the boldness of glamorous fashion photography, we’ve seen how each style reflects the spirit of the time. The hairstyles, accessories, and unique lighting all helped to tell stories through each portrait, making the photos feel alive with personality.
If you’ve enjoyed exploring these 80s portrait photography styles, we invite you to leave a suggestion or share your thoughts in the comments below. Your perspective could help others appreciate this fascinating era in photography even more.
