Environmental portraits, are the pictures that show us the life of model, his/her hobbies, daily life, job etc. Environmental portraits usually includes whole body of the model rather than only focusing to the face. This kind of photography is the best way to telling a story about the subject to the viewers, this is why it is the most common type of portraits that used by photo journalists.

When shooting environmental portraits, spend time with the person that is the subject of your picture. Talk them about their lives, hobbies, and whatever you want to include about his/her life in the picture. Talking helps people to relax and feel more comfortable when you are around. Try to be friendly and warm. Do not start taking pictures immediately, after a while he/she will forget that you are there, and focus on her/his job again. It is easier to capture nice photographs when people are totally natural. So wait until he/she forgets you are there and focuses on the thing that he/she is doing then start taking pictures. Try to not to distract him/her. And capture the best moments of the person in his/her environment, while he/she is laughing with friends, angry, happy, bored etc.

An examine the good examples. National Geographic photographers are really successful and in this kind of photography. I advice you to take a look at the National Geographic - People and Culture Galleries for the best examples for environmental portraits.