10 Tips for Better Portrait Photography
Portrait photography can be incredibly compelling, and you'll find that the best photographers relish the opportunity to shoot portrait photography.
Here are ten tips on how to shoot better portraits:
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1. Composition
A great portrait needs great composition. The subject is at the picture's centerpiece, so don't hesitate to zoom in on your model for a close-up. Zooming in doesn't mean sacrificing the background. It can mean creating an excellent composition to achieve the desired effect. Try various camera-to-subject angles, as well, and move around or move the subject.
Think creatively for a more interesting picture. There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to creating a good composition. However, if you're shooting for a client, ask first if they're willing to allow you to shoot a few more creative shots. Otherwise, practice when you're not doing a customer's photo session!
2. Camera Settings
A classic portrait often has a blurred background allowing the viewer's eyes to focus on the subject. To achieve this effect, set your camera to Aperture Priority and select the largest aperture on your camera lens, such as f/2.8 - f/5.6. You'll get a shallow depth of field and a blurred background for effect!
Side note: When shooting in Aperture Priority mode to control your depth of field, your SLR should set the shutter speed (at least 1/150) for you for the correct exposure and to avoid camera or subject movement. Your Autofocus should be configured to single shot and make certain your focal point hovers over your subject's eye when you frame the shot.
3. Eye Contact
Traditional portrait photography involves good eye contact between the subject and the camera. Even if you're looking to shoot a more creative composition, ask the client to make eye contact with the camera first then turn in the direction you want. It's usually best that the subject's eyes remain in the upper third of the picture because it creates the most natural balance and spacing in the shot.
4. Lens Options for Portraits
A 50mm lens makes images sharper, but you'll need to move around to fill your frame as you won't be able to zoom in with the lens.
A wide-angle lens (about 18mm) is best for a large group. You will be able to fit everyone into the picture without having to step too far away from the group.
A telephoto (70-210mm) lens restricts the angle of view, but it could be worth it like when taking the picture of a wedding couple in the church from a balcony. The telephoto lens let you zoom in from above without sacrificing image.
5. Strike a Pose
How you pose your subject can dramatically affect a portrait. Whether it's their expression or how they stand, it can change the feeling or the emotion of the shot. It's always a good idea to try different poses and expressions, so your clients have a variety from which to select. You'd be surprised what customers end up choosing!
6. Lighting
The best (and easiest to work with) light possible is natural, diffused lighting.The best times to take pictures are the early morning hours and early evening hours just before dusk. Avoid the bright sunlit hours or you'll need to consider exposure and flashes. Bright sunlight, even directly overhead, can cast shadows either across the face or behind the subject! Cloudy days are ideal for portrait photography. If you need to shoot in direct sunlight, use flash to fill in the shadows and light your subject's face.
7. Raw File Format
Portrait photography benefits from shooting raw even if it means a larger file size. If you plan on printing or enlarging the picture, shoot raw because it allows you to edit the file without compromising the original. JPEG is a compressed format, and you lose valuable image data. While it's easier to work with JPEG, raw best preserves the image which can make all the difference when editing or printing the photo.
8. Post-processing
The beauty of digital is the ability to edit your photos on your computer. Lightroom or Photoshop are two of the best for advanced photo editing software. You can correct a lot including color and lighting and smooth out imperfections. Photo editing software can be a lifesaver with portrait photography!
9. Your Subjects and The Photo Session
Make your subject as comfortable as possible and put them at ease in front of your camera by talking to them before and during the session! Explain in lay terms what you'll be doing and tell them about the equipment you'll be using. Remember that shooting children's portraits isn't the same as an adult's picture. Be sensitive to their needs.
10. Education & Inspiration
Learn from others! Take classes but look at what others are doing by looking through magazines and websites! Check out the styles and elements you like.
Portrait Photography can be incredibly rewarding as a photographer. It can be poignant and powerful, and it can elevate your photography skills to a new level. It's a challenge most photographers happily seek out at some point because they understand its rewards.
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