5 Portrait Photography Tips

Many photographers view portraiture as one of the most challenging styles of photography. The intricate art of capturing people and their personalities requires years of study and practical experience. Of course, that doesn't mean there aren't a few things you can implement into your photo routine that will help push your portraiture to the next level. Here are a few hints on how to create striking portraits with minimal experience and no fancy equipment.

Go for Candid

There are lots of pictures that show a smiling subject looking directly at the camera. Pictures like this have their place, but they don't let the subject express the personality. Candid photography is the art of capturing your subject when they aren't paying attention. Taking candid photos is becoming increasingly more popular at weddings and other events because they better reflect the actual day. What's more captivating - a picture of a mother and baby staring at a camera or a mother singing to her child

Cover it Up

Another good portrait tip is to partially obscure or cover your subject for a more interesting image. This will allow you to draw more attention to certain features (hands, eyes, mouth) while forcing the viewer to imagine what's missing. This is also a great technique to try with color. Try giving your subject a brightly colored scarf and see how one prop can open up a world of creativity.

Get Out of the Studio

Instead of taking a portrait in a traditional studio setting, consider taking your subject to somewhere that relates to them. For example, for an engagement photo take the couple to a place that they like to spend time together like the park or the beach. At every opportunity try to think outside the box to get an image that will truly stand out.

Use Light to Your Advantage

If you're trying to make your subject look natural, then even lighting is the best type of lighting to use for portraiture. However, this in no way means there is no other way to light a subject. Play with the lighting and try things like only lighting part of your subject or casting shadows on them to see what it will do. Simple things like this can go a long way towards creating memorable portraits, and you can usually accomplish them with a couple of desk lamps and a little ingenuity.

Capture Their Personality

Have a conversation with your subject before you shoot and try to get a bearing on "who" they are and what they're interested in. A portrait should tell a story about what a person is on the inside as well as the outside, and these little clues can help you formulate ideas for bringing the internal person out. Once you know some things your subject likes, try picking up a couple of related props and letting the subject incorporate them into the shoot.

Your first responsibility in portraiture is to always create photographs that show "who" a person is as well as what they look like. Taking portraits can be tricky initially, but by using these tips you'll be well on your way towards taking better portraits that your subjects will love. Do your best to understand your subject and their desires for the shoot, and don't be afraid to bring up some fun ideas. Keep it fun and be creative and your sessions will always be successful.

Autumn Lockwood is a writer for Your Picture Frames. Shop online and see our selection of victorian picture frames in a wide variety of styles, sizes and colors. Visit our website and see our wood victorian picture frames online or call 1-800-780-0699.