Taking portrait photos can be very rewarding. It’s a chance to show the best side (literally) of someone, and create a photo that communicates something unique.
The first rule of good portrait photography is LOOK at your subject.
Although this may sound obvious take a look through all the photos you have of friends and family to see if there is a certain “sameness” about them. Head and shoulders, passport photos, awkward poses, uncomfortable expressions, blank looks, embarrassed smiles…?
Everyone has some individual feature that should be photographed. It doesn’t have to be perfect skin, a remodeled nose, pouting mouth, stunning eyes. But it should be some quality that best communicates the person’s individuality.
Sound daunting? It isn’t if you follow some basics.
Do Not Use a Flash Directly at the Subject.
Flash is light at its most boring. Very rarely it can really raise an image into stunning life, but usually the use of available light is superior. Flash has the tendency to make the image seem bland and breaks any mood or sense of trust you have created with your subject.
Use a Telephoto Lens. 105-135mm is best.
Never use a wide angle.
Use Vertical Compostion.
Turn the camera on its side. A portrait usually includes the head and upper torso and sometimes the hands. These work best in a vertical format. Framing horizontally wastes space on each side of your subject and can ruin the “feel” of the image.
Dress Your Subject Up if Possible.
If this is to be almost a formal portrait photo you may be able to suggest what clothes. Solid, dark or light colors work best. Patterns, checks, stripes and swirls add confusion to the eye of the viewer. Bold colors can overwhelm the skin tones. A scoop or vee cut is usually better than a round cut. For older women or men, cover up the shoulders, for young women leave them exposed.
Try to use whatever available light you have to create a good effect.
Try to place your subject in a postion where there is soft light coming mainly from one direction. This usually gives more attention to the eyes and creates a moody feel. You can use a reflector on the shadowed side to ‘bounce the light’ if the contrast between highlight and shadow is too strong. A simple reflector can be made by covering a sheet of cardboard with aluminum foil.
Choose Your Subject’s “best side”.
People actually have one. Get one shoulder turned towards the camera so one side is favored a little. Test the pose another way and try to figure out which way is the best.
Allow the Person to be Seated.
This helps put them at ease by haviing somewhere to “be” and assists you in being able to direct them more easily. Give the person directions.
In a portrait photo, you’re dealing with minor movements and shifts of position and angle. Try to get the shot from slightly above the subject to open up the eyes. Lower the shoulder closest to the camera, get the head straight or at an engaging angle. Lower the chin a little.
Some people don’t look their best when they smile and some do. You can get more interesting expressions and nuances without a smile. Ask your subject to think about something they like. This will highlight the eyes and accentuate the mouth lines.
If the hands are in the shot, take a good look at them. Hands can look ugly or awkward. A fist that is lightly closed is usually neutral. Place the hands in the lap on resting on a knee and see how it looks. Cut them off later if they don’t work.
If you’re shooting candid portraits the same tips apply but in these shots you have to move around to get the best angle.
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