Sitting

Definition

In photography, a 'sitting' refers to a specific period of time when a subject poses for a portrait or photograph. This practice is central to early studio portraits, as it involves the subject being positioned in front of the camera for an extended duration, allowing for careful composition and the capture of intricate details. The sitting often created a formal atmosphere, reflecting the significance of the moment being recorded.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sittings in early studio portraits often lasted several minutes to hours due to long exposure times required by early cameras.
2. Photographers would sometimes use props and specific poses during sittings to enhance the aesthetic qualities of the portrait.
3. The formality of sitting reflected societal norms and the importance placed on capturing a person's image for posterity, often reserved for higher social classes.
4. Many subjects were instructed on how to pose during sittings, which influenced their expressions and overall representation in portraits.
5. The introduction of faster film and improved technology gradually reduced the necessity for lengthy sittings in photography.

Review Questions

• How did the concept of sitting influence the artistic choices made by photographers during early studio portraits?
  • The concept of sitting significantly influenced photographers' artistic choices by dictating how subjects were posed and lit during early studio portraits. Photographers had to carefully plan each sitting to ensure that the subject's posture, expression, and background complemented one another. This careful orchestration allowed for greater control over composition, leading to more striking and formal images that adhered to societal expectations of portraiture at the time.
• What role did exposure time play in determining the nature of a sitting in early studio portrait photography?
  • Exposure time was critical in shaping the nature of a sitting in early studio portrait photography because longer exposure times required subjects to remain still for extended periods. This need for stillness affected how subjects were posed and could lead to discomfort or fatigue. As a result, photographers developed techniques to help keep subjects engaged and focused, ultimately influencing both the experience of the sitting and the quality of the final image.
• Evaluate the social implications of sittings in early studio portrait photography, considering who had access to such photographic practices.
  • Sittings in early studio portrait photography carried significant social implications, as they were often associated with wealth and status. Access to formal portraits was primarily available to affluent individuals who could afford the time and cost associated with professional sittings. This exclusivity reflected broader societal hierarchies, as portraits served not only as personal mementos but also as status symbols. Thus, while some communities embraced photography as an art form, others remained marginalized from these practices due to economic constraints, shaping public perceptions around identity and representation.

Related terms

Portraiture: The art of creating portraits, capturing the likeness, personality, and mood of an individual or group through photography or painting.

Exposure Time: The length of time that light is allowed to hit the photographic medium during the process of taking a photograph, which was longer in early photography due to less sensitive materials.

Studio Photography: A style of photography that takes place in a controlled environment, typically using artificial lighting and backdrops to create polished and posed images.