10 best ways to improve your Portrait Photography

In this video we explore 10 ways to improve your portrait photography.

 

1.  WORK WITH SUN LIGHT

 

When shooting outdoors, consider the position of the sun.  Harsh sunlight from high above (like afternoon lighting) can be harsh.  Instead, shoot in the shade, when the sun is low, it’s cloudy or just before sunrise or just after sunset.

 

2.  FRAME SUBJECTS OFF-CENTER

 

Do not always position your subject in the middle of the frame.  Instead, have your subject framed off-center.  In your mind, divide your frame up into thirds (creating 9 blocks) and place your subject on one or more of the intersecting lines.  This is known as the rule of thirds.

 

3.  CHECK YOUR BACKGROUND

 

Often, the difference between a great shot and a mediocre one is the background.  Sometimes, just moving your subject (or your camera) a few feet makes all the difference in the world.  Watch out for background objects appearing like they are protruding from your subject’s body.  Often, simple (less busy) backgrounds work the best when photographing people.

 

4.  USE NATURAL LINES (OR PATTERNS) TO DIRECT ATTENTION

 

Often, we can find natural lines in nature.  If you place your subject in an area where these lines seem to be heading or pointing, it will pleasingly draw attention to your subject.

 

5.  GET YOUR SUBJECT TO RELAX

 

When your subject is comfortable, they will relax and look more natural in your photographs.  One simple way of doing this, is to talk to your subject about their interests.  Get to know your subject and they will begin to relax.  Let them know that they look great and don’t be afraid of joking with them to lighten the mood.

 

6.  VARY YOUR FRAMING

 

Don’t be trapped by repeating the same framing and angles.  Try shooting your subject in close-up, medium and wide shots.  Also try adjusting the height of the camera.

 

7.  DON’T ALWAYS USE YOUR CAMERA’S FLASH INDOORS

 

Your flash is necessary when you do not have enough light to work with.  Unfortunately, your flash sometimes produces an unnatural burst of light just on your subject.  This is not always flattering.  Instead, don’t be afraid of turning your flash off and turning on lights indoors or moving your subject closer to other lighting sources, like a window, for a more natural look.

 

8.  TAKE LOTS OF PICTURES

 

If you want to capture the best photos, you need to shoot a lot of photos.  Indeed, some of the photos will not be great, but if you take many, the best of the best will stand out.  Don’t be afraid to keep snapping or you might miss that magical moment.

 

9.  USE SHALLOW DEPTH OF FIELD

 

If your camera has the ability to change lenses, consider purchasing a prime lens.  Unlike a zoom lens, prime lenses tend be fast (having a lower f-stop number).  Shooting with a low f-stop number (like 1.4) will cause the background in your portraits to be soft.  This will make your subject stand out more in your photos.  This is known as shallow depth of field.  If you only have a zoom lens, you can often achieve this look by zooming in your lens as far as you can go, while still being as close to your subject as possible.

 

10.  USE PROPS

 

Props go a long way in creating a special photograph.  This is especially true when photographing babies and small children.  Consider placing an instrument, stuffed animal or toy in the scene with your subject.  Base your prop choice on the subject’s interest (or their mom and dad’s interests).  Also pay attention to wardrobe choices.  Is the subject interested in a sports team or band?  Consider branded clothing to show their personality.  Each client is unique.

 

BONUS TIP:

 

11.  LEARN FROM THE PROS

 

Beyond reading about the technical aspects of photography, start looking at photos online or in books.  When you find a photograph that impresses you, start asking yourself a number of questions about how this powerful image was captured?  How is the subject framed in the shot?  How is the subject posed?  What lighting was used in the shot?  What is the subject wearing?  Were any props used?  What’s in the background of the photo?  What message is the photographer trying to convey?  The goal is to study the photograph and incorporate what you have learned from it into your own work.

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