Top Portrait Photography Tips!

Hello fotolings!

This week we are giving you our top tips for portrait photography to ensure you take the perfect pic!

If you take any portraits share them with us by either posting it on our Facebook Page or using the #DUAphotosoc on Insta!

#1 Connect & Capture

A portrait is not only suppose to capture a person, but give a sense of their personality as well, so it is vital that when you are doing a portrait shoot you find out a little bit about your subject first.

First find out the reason why they are getting a portrait photograph, this will help inform the tone you are looking to capture in the portrait.

Also, a lot of people are afraid of the camera and as the photographer it’s our job to make them feel confident, find angles and poses to highlight that flatter them, and highlight their strengths. It’s important to make them feel comfortable and natural in front of the camera, ask them about their passions, and if your in a studio maybe put on their favourite music. If you connect with your subject not only will it make the experience more enjoyable but it will show in the quality of your shots.

Ultimately, getting to know your subject will make them happier with the result and you’ll be happier too!

#2 Illuminate

Whether you are shooting in a studio or outside it’s important to have a plan when it comes to lighting your subject. If you are shooting indoors make sure you know the location and have tested the options for backgrounds/lightings in the space. Can you use natural lighting or will it have to be artificial? Is the space appropriate for the shoot or should you bring a backdrop?

If you’re shooting outside there’s a few things you’ll have to consider like the time of day and direction of the sun. It will be really important where you position your subject in relation to the sun. Ideally, your subject will be facing the sun or at an angle to highlight and define their features.I would avoid midday as the sunlight is at its harshest and most unflattering and your subject will be prone to squinting! The best time is when the sun is low such as, early mornings and late afternoons.

#3 Reflect

If you need to lighten the shadows on your subject’s face or a bit more warmth, you need a reflector. Using a reflector is an easy, just make sure you grab a pal to come and hold it for you. It should be held at an angle below the subject in order to make the shadows vanish and brighten the face. Best of all, reflectors are cheap but if you don't want to purchase a reflector, you can borrow one just get in contact with our equipments officer.

#4 Look into my eyes

The eyes are the ‘windows to the soul’ and are really important when taking a portrait. You want the eyes to be sharp to make the shot strong. The eyes need to be in focus so configure your camera to use only one focus point. Then, compose the shot with the focus point on the eyes, half-press the shutter button to focus, and then re-compose to take the photo!

#5 Strike a Pose... Vogue!

As Madonna said, “come on, vogue”!

Don’t be afraid to direct your subject and get them to pose for you. Posing the right way can not only shed pounds but bring life and interest to a portrait. If we stand straight into the camera we look are widest and particularly with headshots, we become the full width of the shot. Encourage your subject to turn towards the camera, ideally with shoulders at different heights and you’ll be sure to get a gorgeous portrait!

As with everything, practice makes perfect, so if you’re just beginning to take portraits grab some friends and family to practice on. Not only will you be improving but you’ll spend some nice quality time together and have their birthday presents sorted! It’s a Win-Win!

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xxxx

The Photo Society