Portrait photography can run the gamut in type and style—everything from the traditional “head and shoulders” shot to lifestyle and environmental, candid and street, glamour, boudoir, maternity sessions and much more. View some of the eye-catching portraits and photos of the week that stopped us in our tracks this week, images we loved on Instagram that stood out for their composition, lighting and ‘blurry whimsical movement.'”

Wedding and editorial photographer Anna Gadalean of Ginger’s Eyes in Barcelona, Spain, says this shot was taken in the forest, using natural side light.

“I love the blurry whimsical moment captured in this frame,” says Gadalean. “I am also very fond of the depth and contrast created with the side light that gives the photo volume and makes the subject’s facial traits and texture in the background even more outlined.”

Here’s a unique way to capture group photos at a wedding, says Alina & Patrick of Frankfurt, Germany (named Rf 30 Rising Stars 2020).

“We love the dynamics in the photo,” say the duo. “We especially like the direct focus on the bride who is perfectly framed by her friends. We wanted to capture a creative group wedding shot, and just be different.”

Annabelle Agnew took this photo in the bridal cottage at Stonefields Estate in Canada. “The bride had just finished getting her dress on and the sunlight kept dipping into the room on the bed and ottoman so I asked her to recline in the light because I knew the fabric of her dress would be beautiful in it.”

Agnew says she loves how this photo reminds her of paintings she admires—”I’m very drawn to shooting this kind of light and portrait. When I take photos like these, I kind of get a little breathless and excited. I know it’s something special and can’t wait to upload it when I get home. In fact, right after I took this photo I did this funny little involuntary dance that made me, the bride and her mother all laugh together. I love these moments!”

This image was taken at Singapore’s Changi Airport between the two terminals’ link bridge. Clara Tan of The Perfect Statement in Singapore (named as an Rf 30 Rising Star in 2020) had already ended the shoot with her couple when, in the midst of packing up, she placed her camera on the floor.

“That’s when I saw how symmetrical the space was and the way the beautiful architecture curved in the camera screen,” says Tan, “so I asked them back for one last shot.”

Tan adds: “Photographers usually shoot at eye level but shooting at a different angle really provides a different perspective on how we can view the world.”

While rain is never ideal on your wedding day, that didn’t stop couple Rashel and Art from planning for a post ceremony portrait session at one of their favorite locations, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, says Santa Cruz wedding and elopement photographer Ben Ingram.

“This day served as a great reminder that you don’t always need that golden hour light to capture beautiful photos,” says Ingram. “Less than ideal conditions are just another opportunity to get outside your comfort zone and create something unique.”

Dig into our Photo of the Day archives for even more compelling and eye-catching imagery.