Capturing Stories: Environmental Portraiture in Travel Photography

Discover the fascinating world of environmental portraiture in travel photography. Let’s also discuss essential ethical considerations and the importance of respecting cultural norms to ensure a meaningful photography experience and the creation of impactful images.

I first encountered the term "concept shoot" while traveling in Indonesia. My guide had arranged a session with a local fisherman heading out to sea at the crack of dawn.

The above images are not candid moments; the shoot was a production. We were actively communicating with the old fisherman, directing exactly when to throw his net and angle the boat to catch the perfect light. Later, we set up similar shoots with Balinese dancers posing against a majestic waterfall at sunrise. The guides and local photographers threw the term "concept shoot" around loosely to describe these arranged sessions.

For a long time, I adopted the vocabulary myself. But the term never quite resonated with me. It felt imprecise. After some reading and reflection, I realized why: strictly speaking, these aren't concepts at all. They are planned environmental portraits.

Masters of the craft, such as Daniel Kordan, have popularized this style with stunning, deeply atmospheric images of various cultures, including Mongolian nomads and traditional craftsmen of Far Eastern countries. But understanding the actual definitions of these genres goes beyond semantics; it changes how we view the reality behind the image.

What “Conceptual Photography” Actually Looks Like

To understand the difference, we have to look at what conceptual photography actually means in the art world. It refers to work in which an abstract idea, symbol, or metaphor serves as motivation to shoot at a location. The reality is often manipulated to serve the concept.

Consider these two examples of conceptual photography:

The Creative Block

Imagine an artist standing in the middle of a vast, parched landscape of dried mud cracks. On her easel, there is no painting—only a question mark. The sky has been replaced and dramatized to enhance the mood. The cracked earth is a metaphor for the dryness of ideas. The question mark represents confusion. The entire image is constructed to visualize the abstract feeling of a creative block.

Facing the Fears

Take another example: The image below is symbolic and composited—a merger of three different photos. The giant hand symbolizes the internal struggle to confront one's own fears.

In both cases, the concept is the hero. These images are surreal and psychological.

The Correct Term for Travel: Fine Art Environmental Portraiture

The work we do in travel photography, such as capturing a fisherman or a Balinese dancer, is the opposite of the examples above. We aren't creating a surreal metaphor for fear or dryness. We are capturing a romanticized version of the real world.

I found out that the proper technical term for such photos is environmental portraiture. Unlike a standard portrait, which focuses tightly on the face, an environmental portrait pulls the camera back. It asserts that the subject’s surroundings—their home, their workplace, and their natural habitat—are just as important as their face in telling their story. This also acknowledges that the images were directed and stylized for aesthetic impact.

The Benefits of Staged Travel Photos

While purists may argue that we should only take candid, street-style cultural photos, there is a significant, positive argument to be made for these arranged sessions.

We often get so busy in our own bubbles that we lose the ability to connect with others. These shoots force a connection that requires dialogue, collaboration, and mutual understanding between the photographer and the subject.

Furthermore, when done correctly, these shoots provide tangible support to local communities. Perhaps most importantly, they revive appreciation for cultures that are at risk of fading. When a community sees that outsiders value their traditional dress and customs enough to photograph them like art, it can renew their own pride in those traditions.

If you want a strong reference point for how top travel photographers build images and visual stories on the road, Photographing the World: Japan is a useful complement to the ideas here.

Ethical Guidelines for the Modern Travel Photographer

If you are planning to arrange these types of environmental portraits, whether through a guide or on your own, it is vital to approach the process ethically.

Fair compensation is non-negotiable: Always pay your subjects if you can. If a payment has been arranged through a guide or agency, verify that it is a fair wage that actually reaches the performer or artist. Your photography should support the local economy, not exploit it.

Respect cultural and religious norms: Never ask people to do something that contradicts their customs or beliefs. Below are a few examples:

• Modesty: In many cultures, it is deeply offensive to ask a woman to remove a headscarf or adjust her clothing just for the sake of a better photo.

• Spirituality: Be aware of local superstitions. For example, in certain South American cultures, there is a belief that taking a photograph can steal a person’s spirit. In these contexts, you should not ask for photos at all.

• Gender: In some conservative societies, it is inappropriate for a male photographer to approach or photograph women without permission from a male relative.

Respect the schedule: Be professional with time. If you agreed to shoot for one hour, do not push for two just because the light is still good. The subject has a life and work outside of your photo shoot.

Direct with kindness: The best expressions come from subjects who feel comfortable. Be polite, maintain a sense of humor, and direct them nicely. If there is a language barrier, use gentle gestures and smiles rather than aggressive pointing.

Conclusion

So, how do we categorize images that are portraits of real people in their environment but are highly stylized and directed to achieve maximum beauty?

To me, the best categorization is fine art environmental portraiture, as this label acknowledges both elements: It shows people in their surroundings, but it also admits that the image was created as a work of art. The photographer’s intent was to create emotional and aesthetic impact, with posing and directing to achieve a painterly result.

By using the correct terminology, we can fully appreciate the artistry involved in creating these images without creating illusions that they are purely spontaneous moments.