Welcome to portraiture basics, tips & techniques.
Avoid camera shake by holding the camera steady. Use both hands, resting your elbows on your chest, or use a wall for support. Relax: don't tense up.
Interact with your subject. Play director as well as photographer when you're photographing people. Show your subject how t0 pose. Tell a joke, have a conversation, or even do something silly.
Most cameras only focus on the center of the picture. If you want to take a picture of someone whose face isn't going to be in the middle, remember that the camera will focus on whatever is there instead.
When shooting portraits, nothing is as important as the subject's eyes. Even if everything else is soft – make sure the eyes are sharp.
Select a simple, uncomplicated background that does not compete with your subject. Keep elements in the background that are only relevant to the portrayal of your subject.
This often makes the composition more dynamic and interesting. Place the most important visual element – usually the face (or eyes in a closeup) – on one of the points where the lines in the rule of 3rds intersect.
If your subject is moving, leave the open space in the direction in which the subject is headed. Similarly, if a subject is looking off to the side, it's best to leave more space in that direction.
Such as bright sunlight or direct flash lighting • creates dark, clearly defined shadows that can hide the face • emphasizes wrinkles and blemishes • causes unattractive squinting.
Cloudy or late-afternoon, indirect window, customized studio lighting • creates soft shadows, subtle skin tones and hues • reveal your subject's features in a flattering way • easier on your subject’s eyes for a more relaxed facial expression.
Put the sun behind you – the best bet is to move around so that the sun is behind you and to one side. This front lighting brings out color and shades, and the slight angle (side lighting) produces some shadow to indicate texture and form.
Outdoors – if shooting under overcast sky or in direct sun light, use fill flash to lighten harsh facial shadows.
Indoors – use bounced lighting if your flash unit permits.
And let your subjects enjoy the shoot as well. Help them to relax and fall into natural poses. Try shooting in your subjects' favorite place, while doing a regular activity, or when & where they are at least comfortable.
Take candid pictures & catch the unexpected. Keep your camera handy and turned on so you'll be ready for those spontaneous expressions.
At times your subject may move, stop smiling, or just get tired of waiting for you to take the picture – shoot once right away. Don’t worry about taking too many pictures & don’t wait until you're absolutely certain all the knobs & buttons are in their correct position.
Shoot a portrait that doesn't show the face, photograph the shadow instead of the subject, frame a dancer's feet and unique shoes, catch the subject at work or play instead of aware of the camera, look for unusual lighting and shadows.
Use a shallow depth of field to blur the background & create interesting “bokeh�.
Step in close or use your camera's zoom to emphasize what is important and exclude the rest. Close-ups convey a feeling of intimacy and focus attention on your subject.
Use whatever light exists in the scene. Open-up your aperture, increase ISO settings & hold the camera steady.
Especially at sunrise/sunset to produce dramatic silhouettes. Look for a scene in which the background is much brighter than the main subject. The more interesting shape your subject has, the more interesting your photo will be.
Don’t always ask people to smile. When you look at a person grinning in a portrait, the teeth are usually the brightest part of the picture. Prefer that the viewer’s eye be drawn to the subject’s eyes, not the mouth.
Catch the grins, tears, surprises & hugs that make for memorable pictures. Wait for unguarded moments that reveal characters & emotions.
If the sun is shining bright, try and use it to create a bit of shadow on the subject. Indoors, use flash as needed; bounce flash if possible. Outdoors, use fill flash in the shade or in bright sun to prevent harsh shadows. Seek a simple but relevant background. But don't waste time looking for the perfect background if it means you'll miss the picture opportunity. Avoid putting your subject directly in the center of the picture unless you are striving for a formal arrangement. Always be ready & take lots of pictures to increase your chances of getting a good one. Be quick. Capturing the moment outweighs all the other tip.
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