DIY: 8 Easy Tips To Take Better Portraits
As a portrait photographer with almost 20 years of experience, I’ve had the joy of having many beautiful souls in front of my camera. Next to my love of taking pictures is teaching how to take great pictures!
Here are eight tips to help you take great portraits.
Use Natural Light:
If you have been following along on my photographic journey you know this is my most favorite thing to talk about! Photography is nothing without light and this includes portraits. Natural light often provides a soft, flattering look. Finding the perfect light when photographing is important as light is ever-changing. I try and find a shaded area to have the most consistent light when photographing my models. Another favorite time is shooting during the golden hours (just after sunrise or right before sunset) when the light is warm and diffuse. If indoors, position your subject near or in front of a window.
Get to know your model:
Spend time getting to know your Model. Most people do not like being in front of the camera, so spending a few moments at the beginning of the session getting to know them is key. Have a few questions ready to ask them. This will allow you to create genuine expressions and emotions!
Choose the Right Background:
I find this is a big one too and often gets overlooked. You want to select a background that complements but doesn’t distract from your model. A simple, uncluttered background often works best, but you can also use backgrounds that add context to the story you want to tell.
Focus on the Eyes:
I can not emphasize this enough! The eyes should be the sharpest part of the image! The eyes are the most expressive part of the face.
Direct and Pose Your Subject:
Your model usually does not have any experience being in front of the camera. You will need to guide them on how to pose. The key is to keep it as natural as possible. I like to pose from either the head down or the feet up. Often I will have a handful of poses that I want to recreate ready to use as a reference. The key is not to have them look overly posed.
Experiment with Angles and Perspectives:
Don’t be afraid to try different angles and perspectives. Shoot from above, below, or at eye level. Experimenting with different viewpoints can add variety and interest to your portraits.
Use Props and Accessories:
Props can add a fun and unique element to your portraits. They can help tell a story or give your subject something to interact with, making them feel more at ease. For kiddos, I love it when they are holding their favorite toys!
Post-Processing:
Editing your photos can enhance the final image. My go-to is to adjust the exposure, contrast, and colors to bring out the best in your portrait. However, avoid over-editing, which can make the photo look unnatural.
By combining these tips, you'll be able to capture portraits that are not only technically sound but also emotionally engaging and visually appealing. But most important is to have fun in the process! Don’t overthink, just do!
Happy shooting!
