There are many ways to capture a person. But for every one of them, there’s a perfect example. When it comes to the best portraits in history, you’ll see why after reading this article. For this reason, we’ve included some of the most notable examples in this list. These images will show you why portrait photography is so popular and how it can be done effectively.
Whether it was a formal portrait, or an intimate snapshot, these pictures all have something in common: they showcase the subject with their clothes on and while they look they’re very best. They also prove that regardless of what your face looks like, a good photographer can still take a solid picture of you.

Ruben Dückényi’s Self-Portrait
This self-portrait by Ruben Dückényi is a perfect example of how to use clothing to your advantage when taking a portrait. The photographer was able to get a wide variety of images from one shoot, including the self-portrait.
Because of this, he was able to create a photo with a lot of visual interest. Dückényi didn’t want to take just the typical “head and shoulders” photos of himself. To do this, he dropped his camera from the ceiling and photographed his face as he was looking up. This allowed him to get a wide variety of images, including some from behind and from different angles, like the front.
Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres’s Portrait of Madame Caroline Poret
The portrait of Madame Caroline Poret by Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres is a great example of a formal portrait. The portrait was created back in the 1800s and shows the great artist posing his model. The model is wearing a beautiful, high-quality dress. It’s an elegant, classy image that could only be created with the right clothes and the right model.
The portrait is also notable because it shows the poses and expressions of people who can be found in portraits today. These include the model’s curtsey, a significant pose and expression. Port is also smiling, which was uncommon in portraits at the time.
Peter Paul Rubens’s Self-Portrait With His Daughter, Hélène Fourment
When it comes to self-portraits, artists like to use themselves as a model. This is the case for this self-portrait by Peter Paul Rubens, who was a popular miniature painter during the 17th century. The artist was talented enough to create one of the most notable portraits in history.
This is because not only does he show himself as a painter, but he also poses with his daughter, Hélène Fourment, who was also a painter. The portrait is notable because it shows an artist and their child who could be found in portraits today. These include the artist posing in a studio, painting their child, and showing the effects of ageing, like wrinkles.
Frida Kahlo’s Self-Portrait in a Mirror
This self-portrait by Mexican painter Frida Kahlo is a perfect example of a portrait that uses a mirror as a focal point. The portrait was taken in the 1920s and shows the artist in a mirror, which helps create a cool, unique image.
The mirror was also used to create an image of Kahlo’s face with the help of a lamp. This allowed the artist to get a full, detailed photo of his or her face that can be used to create portraits like this one. The mirror and lamp were used in this portrait because they were two of the few affordable items that could be used to create a cool self-portrait.
Albert M. Bender to Mark Twain: Photograph by William J. Merritt
The photograph by William J. Merritt of Albert M. Bender to Mark Twain is a great example of how a classic portrait can be updated to become more modern. The portrait was taken in the late 1800s and shows the lawyer and author. It’s also notable because it was the first photograph to be printed with a press that was powered by electricity.
This allowed Merritt to create this portrait, which was a significant milestone in photography. It also shows that even though the age of photography has progressed, some things never change.
Eadweard Muybridge’s The Horse in Motion
This image of the horse in motion created by Eadweard Muybridge is a perfect example of how a portrait can be used to showcase a specific moment in time. The photograph was taken in 1868 and depicts a race between a horse and a carriage.
The important thing to note here is that it shows a horse running at a specific speed, which is important because it’s used to set the track for the events in races today. This is significant because it shows that even though photography has progressed, its usefulness has remained the same.
Soichiro Honda: A Model and Photographer at the same Time
This photograph of the owner of Honda Motor Company, Soichiro Honda, is another great example of a portrait that can be used for a variety of purposes. The photo was taken by Gendai Hosoda in 1960 and shows Honda, who was an engineer and businessman, posing with his model, Anko.
The best part about this photo is that it was used to promote Honda’s car, which was one of the first mass-produced cars. Throughout the years, Honda has remained a prominent name in the car industry, so it’s clear this photo had a significant impact on how Honda is viewed today.
Conclusion
Portraits are an important part of any photo shoot. They allow you to show a person’s personality and let them be themselves in front of the camera.
These examples are proof that you don’t have to have a perfect skin or a model’s figure to take a great portrait. The most important thing is to be yourself and pose with confidence.