Hot tips for PORTRAIT photography

[marteen147]

1.Focus on the eyes.

The eyes are said to be the window of the soul. Therefore, nothing is more important than achieving sharp, crisp eyes in your shot. Capturing the eyes in a powerful way will draw the viewer into the photo, establishing a strong connection that will speak volumes.
2. Watch your angles.

Remember that for close up shots, angles will affect the outcome look and feel. For women, make the eyes appear larger and the face more delicate by shooting down on them. For men, emphasize strength and achievement by shooting slightly up.
3. Use diffused light.

In close up shots, the skin is a central feature. It’s crucial to show the skin without blemishes. Achieve this by using diffused light to gently wrap around the skin, bringing definition along the lines of the face without highlighting blemishes.
4. Add a hair light

Detail is critical in head-shots and are no more dynamic than when created with a hair-light. A hair-light can be placed above or behind the subject [with a flash or the sun] to add depth to the shot, and pull the top of the head out of the background.
5. Use of Lens

Nothing is more disturbing than a near-dynamic headshot that fails simply because of lens distortion. Generally, avoid mid to wide angle lenses for close headshots. Instead, use a lens that will compress your image and slim your subjects face – typically 90mm and above.
6. Guide expression

The final most important element is an expression to match the purpose of the headshot. It’s your job as photographer to pull out the most natural looks from your subjects. Do so by guiding them through complimenting conversation; i.e. asking serious questions to pull out a thoughtful gaze, or cracking a joke to capture a natural smile.

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[c17ross07]

be careful on the angle where you're going to take shot..siting the best angle to capture the best deatail of the subject...

[HeadshotLondon]

Hi,
The best tip for portrait photography is to get to know your subject-matter very well. Knowing who they are will help you with your work.
for examples of portrait photographers ' work please have a look at our new website we have just launched and do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.


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corporate photographers
london photographers

[darrenP]

I highly recommend a 50 mm/1.4 lens for portraits with digital, or an 85 mm prime. I shoot 99% of my portraits with the 50 mm/1.4

Same sentiments here! These are my two favourite lens

[thatfornoobs]

There are many good apps for the ipod that are basically a listings of poses. Some of them prove to be very useful, showing you more "dangerous" poses. They can be used as a source of inspiration as well.

[Jinkxproof]

Be patient and let the subjects be their natural selves, especially kids! Those make the most precious portraits

So true.. certainly not a fool proof approach, especially considering all kids have such differing personalities but I agree that if you can make the time, and allow them to explore, the images are far sweeter than those that are posed.

[Polina Rabtseva]

i like canon 135mm 2.0 for portraits

[AnthonyRyanPhoto]

Study shots from photographers you like, then use them as inspiration as you are posing your clients. Just make sure that you make the shot "yours" and put your own spin on it.

[toddjamesphotography]

For portraits, I love to use long lenses at full zoom for strong DOF and separation of the subject from the background.

[josephe]

If taking a portrait that includes the family dog, do not whistle, or call the dogs name to try to get it to look at the camera. It will want to run to you. Instead, in a soft, excited voice, say "wheres the kitty" or "whos here". It may not look at the camera, but it will perk up and its ears will go upright, and get it to sit still for a couple shots.



Doug Raflik

I've even whined or barked like a puppy to get the dogs attention. If they think there is another little pup in my camera the keep looking in that direction with interest. The trick is to get the family to stop worrying about getting the animals attention toward the camera and just get their smiles ready for that perfect moment when the dog looks up. I've had more shots where mom or little Johnny is snapping fingers and looking at Rover right when the dog is perked ears and looking dead into the camera lens! Sometimes it works as a portrait too so never say never.