Nail ‛Em: Easy Portrait Photography Tips

Whether an aspiring professional or simply an ambitious hobbyist having fun with your camera, every photographer at every level tinkers with portraits. For some it’s a way of capturing the people in their lives, and portrait photography carries an emotional impact that can’t be denied. For others it’s part of their ongoing education and a way of developing their technique and technical skills.

In either scenario, it can’t be denied that the human face and form is a powerful subject for any photographer. Many amateurs, however, find it frustrating: Their portraits, no matter how carefully staged and shot, never seem to have the impact or power of the portraits they see in books and magazines. But fear not – you can improve your portraits by orders of magnitude simply by using these simple – but powerful – portrait photography tips.

One: Living on the Edge

The biggest mistake anyone can make when shooting a seated model for a full-body portrait is to let their subject sit all the way back, as they would when getting comfortable in the seat.

This not only recedes your subject from the lens – the exact opposite of what a portrait is supposed to do – it also blurs their body lines, making them look heavier and less distinct. Instead, one of the simplest methods is to have them sit forward, on the edge of the seat, and lean towards the camera. It defines them better, straightens their lines, and brings them closer to the camera.

Two: Go for Contrast

One of the most powerful but subtle techniques used in portrait photography is also the most easily overlooked. If you’re wondering why your portraits don’t seem to have the power of some of the most famous portraits, the easiest explanation is that you’re not using contrast well. That’s why one of the most useful portrait photography tips is to ensure contrast with your subject. This can be achieved by using a dark background, by dressing your subject in dark or light clothing depending on their natural colouring, or with managed lighting.

Three: Use the Shadows

When most of us think of portraits, we think of those famous black and white studio shots that have so much glamour. But if you’re an amateur and trying to shoot your subjects outside, your portraits often look over-bright, little different from any photo you snap at random moments.

The applicable tip here is to use the shadows: Find a nice shady spot and have your subject stand or sit with a bright area behind them. This creates the contrast you need and gives you more control over how the final image will look.

Portraits have inherent power, because they channel the spirit of the subject through your lens and composition. All it takes for powerful portrait work are these simple guidelines. Once you have your first portraits that you’re proud of, click here and we’ll turn them into amazing wall art you’ll be proud to display in your home.