Here are some portrait
photography tips to help you take better portraits.
Plan what you
want your portrait to look like before you start
taking pictures. Decide the mood you want the
picture to convey. Decide where to do the photo
shoot and what lighting you will use.
Prepare your
subject for the shoot before hand. Talk to them
about your plan and see what input they have.
Planning the clothing your subject will wear will
help you get the look you want for the photograph.
Discuss possible clothing colours with your subject
and ask them to bring several outfit choices to the
shoot.
Lighting is an
important part of photography. If you are shooting
in a studio you should set up your lighting before
the subject arrives. If you are working outside be
sure to have diffusers and reflectors available to
give you some control over the sunlight.
Composition
must be carefully considered. If you're taking your
portraits against a plain background you may want to
experiment with the colour of the backdrop or even
try using an unconventional backdrop. Decide what
other objects you may want or not want in the
picture and how you will include them.
Props can be
used to help your subject feel more comfortable.
Give your subject something to do or hold and you'll
get a much more relaxed picture.
Camera angles
can help you get a new perspective on your subject.
Usually a portrait is taken head on but remember you
don't have to be confined to that shooting model.
Take pictures of your subject from a variety of
angles.
Fill the frame
with your subject. Extreme close-up can show the
details of your subject's face and their mood.
Know when to use
your flash. Many people tend to fall into one of
two categories: those who use a flash all the time
and those who never use a flash. Getting out of that
habit and using your flash appropriately will
improve the quality of all your pictures including
portraits quite a lot.
Talk to your
subject. If your subject feels nervous or
uncomfortable that will show up in the photograph.
Talk to your subject and make them feel relaxed. A
relaxed, happy subject makes for a more photographic
subject.
Relax and have
a good time. Enjoying your photography will help you
become a better photographer.
Learn about more ways
to improve your
portrait photography at Digital-Photography-Advisor.com.Read
the free tutorials on the site and learn how to take
better pictures.
http://www.digital-photography-advisor.com
