Portrait Photography Tips And Tricks

Knowing the basics of portrait photography can make a big difference in a photographing well executed,professional-looking portraits of family or friends. Though quality may differ, portraits can be taken with any type of camera. When planning a photo session, consider elements such as lighting, location, subject positioning and framing. Before the beginning of a portrait session, take a few test shots to ensure that the light and background are properly set up. 

Location

While the subject is the main focus of a portrait, the location can have a big impact on how comfortable the subject is while being photographed, as well as the mood of the portrait. Keep the portrait from looking too posed by photographing candidly. The Digital Photography School website recommends shooting the subject while at work, with their family or doing something they enjoy. Consider using a minimalistic background, such as solid white or a dramatic, colorful background, to make the subject stand out.

Setting Up the Shot

If possible, set up the portrait location before the subject arrives. If you're shooting outside, scout the location and decide where you'd like to take portraits. If shooting inside, find a place with proper lighting and background. Get your camera's settings ready and try to take a few test shots to see how the lighting and background work. By doing this before the subject arrives, you can ensure that the subject will be fresh when you're ready to begin shooting.

Positioning the Subject

The position of the subject may the one of the first things a viewer may notice in a portrait. Begin by positioning the subject with their head and body facing in different directions with their head facing the photographer. According to the Sean T. Noonan Photography website, a masculine pose involves tilting the top of the head toward the far shoulder. A feminine pose means the top of the head is tilted toward the near shoulder. Generally, women can be posed in either way. When photographing group portraits, stagger head heights and pose one person at a time in relation to the others.

Camera Angle

While horizontal and vertical framing is most common, you can also tilt the camera to take a more unusual shot. According to the Digital Photography School website, taking a portrait on an angle can add energy and a sense of fun, because the angle is unexpected. The angle should be sharp enough so that it doesn't look like the photographer just accidentally held the camera crooked.

Shoot Up Close

According to the National Geographic website, many photographers make the mistake of not getting close enough to their subject. Shooting up close makes the subject the focus of the portrait, rather than the background. For a more dramatic portrait, consider shooting so the subject entirely fills the frame. In this case, features like the eyes may be the main focus, and there is no background distraction.

Lighting

Lighting of a portrait determines the mood of the photo and how the subject will look. Shooting into the light, or back lighting, whether it be the sun outdoors or studio lighting, adds depth to the photo. When shooting outdoors, avoid positioning the subject looking into the light, as this could cause squinting or make her look washed out. If shooting indoors, try lighting the subject from slightly below with studio lights rather than lighting from above.