Portraits

Portraits

Blue Steal

Zoolander

A portrait is a photograph of a person that displays the expression, personality, and mood of the subject. 
The focus of the photograph is usually the person’s face.
Portraits:
Same person, different looks 
 
Changes in lighting, clothes, make-up, hair, props, location,
body language, facial expression, aiming, angle, and distance
can greatly alter the  portrait.
Gwen Stefani
Bradly Cooper

 

7 Tips for Great Portraits

  • 1. Eyes  MUST be in Focus                                                                                             
    The eyes are the window to the soul 
  • Your subject doesn’t always have to look straight at the camera but when they are  straight on the persons eyes MUST BE IN FOCUS. 
  • The subject looking away with their eyes can create a completely different emotion from looking straight on.

     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Subjects respond to you 

  • Create a nice relaxed portrait then it’s essential that you take a friendly, relaxed approach to your subject, try to make the shoot fun.
  • Many subjects feel a little awkward or uncomfortable. This will show in the photo if they are uncomfortable.You don’t need to turn into a stand-up comedian, but a smile won’t go amiss.
  • It’s also a good idea to explain what you’re doing and why as you go along or just start asking them questions.
  • Stick with positive words!  Telling someone they look stiff only makes it worse.
 
3. Backgrounds 
  • A simple, uncluttered background is usually recommended for portraits.  
  • To much “clutter” in the background distracts from the subject.
  • Look around the frame and make sure that there’s nothing in the background that’s going to scream out at you once the shot has been taken – a lamp stand or tree sticking out the subject’s head are classic examples.   

4. Aperture 
  • When shooting portraits, it’s best to set a wide aperture (around f/1.8-f/5.6) so the background behind your subject is nicely blurred, making them stand out better.
  • Prime lens (50mm or 85 mm) is the BEST for these type of photos. 

 

              

                                     
5. Creative compositions                                                                      

  • Don’t be lazy with your compositions.
  • Use rule of 3rs.  
  • Have a lot of negative space.  
  • Framing.
  • Climb on a chair and shoot your subject from high for extreme perspective                                                               

   

6. Props                                                                                               
  • People relax immediately when a prop is introduced
  • You don’t have to have the prop int he photo but it is guaranteed to get them to relax.  
  • Props can also show a bit of the person’s personality                                                        

 

 

BAD use of PROP!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                        

7. Light, Light, Light                                                                                              
  • Great light makes ALL the difference
  • When shooting in a studio you have more control over the lighting than when outside
  • When Outside:
    • Use open shade
    • Never direct sun if you can help it
    • The best time to shoot portraits in Natural light is about 30-40 minutes before sunset (Golden Hour)