Portrait photography is a surprisingly difficult form of photography. Using a human as a subject creates a lot of pressure for a photographer because you want the subject to look good and be satisfied with the outcome. Here are a few tips to make shooting these photos easier.
Form a Connection with Your Subject
It is important to understand your subject and make them feel comfortable having their portrait taken. When the subject is comfortable it instantly makes them more photogenic. It also helps you as a photographer to create a more welcoming atmosphere.
Make Note of the Lighting and Environment
Before you even begin your portrait shoot, make sure you know when and where you want to take the pictures. Is it going to be indoors or outdoors? What time of day? You need to know how the lighting will be and what the area is like so that you can choose the correct lens and other equipment.
Watch the Dynamics of Your Lens and Camera
Just as you need to be prepared for the lighting situation of your shoot, you need to be aware of the different ways you can take the pictures. If it’s a close up it will be a different type of lens than if it were far away. Come prepared with all of your equipment for any last minute changes in plans.
Focus on the Eyes
As you get to know your subject, take a careful look at their eyes. In portrait photography, the focus should always be on the person’s eyes. Never leave the eyes blurry or out of focus and make sure you always have the right contrast to capture the right color and light.
Don’t be Afraid to Change Perspective
Depending on the personality of your subject and what will capture them best, you may want to use a different perspective to portray them. It could be a shot from above, one from below, or a complete close-up. If the perspective you were planning to use isn’t panning out, never hesitate to try something entirely new.
Be Careful with Your White Balance
In portrait photography, it is important to get the right balance of colors on your subjects. As difficult as it is, capturing the right skin tone makes a huge difference. Make use of reflectors to capture the best lighting and save you time in editing the photos afterward.
Remember that Black and White are Classic
Black and white portraits are classic and timeless. Every subject will look good in black and white. Capture the right lighting in the first place to make the post-editing adjustment to black and white easier.
Use Raw File Format
Modern photography is almost entirely digital. As such, photographers are dealing with digital photos and digital formats. The best way to get high-quality photos is by using a raw file format. If you use JPEG you could be sacrificing photo quality.
Modern portrait photography may sound daunting, but if you follow a few simple tips, you can create the best portrait possible.