Portrait photography can be one of the most satisfying forms for an enthusiastic amateur. The tips below can be of use whether you are using a digital compact, a digital SLR camera or fully manual SLR.
Simplicity
Background clutter will interfere with a good portrait. Similarly, use natural light where you can and if you must use artificial lighting, use as few as possible.
Preparation
So you don't keep your subject waiting, know which your location you're using or, if in a studio have the lighting set up and the camera ready. Do some test shots before your subject arrives so that when they do turn up they won't have to wait while you fiddle around.
Composition
It is important to be master the rules before you choose to break them and one of the primary ones governing composition is the rule of thirds, which deals with where focal points, or the points of interest, should be placed in a photograph.
In portrait photography, the primary area of interest is the eyes. Experiment by putting the eyes in the middle and then off centre to see for yourself. It can help if you imagine drawing a grid across your photograph, i.e. two vertical lines down and two horizontal drawn across the image, dividing it into nine squares. The four corners of the middle square in the grid are better locations for your areas of interest than within the square itself.
Again, experiment. In some shots, it might be best to place your subject dead centre, in others, on one edge.
Eye contact
The direction of a subject's eyes has an enormous effect on a photograph. Having the subject return the gaze of the photographer can give a sense of connection for those viewing the image. Equally, however, focusing on something else can give a sense of mystery and engages the viewer in speculating as to what they are looking at, and what it is that is interesting them, amusing them or surprising them. An alternative is to have your subject looking at someone or something within the shot, which sets up a relationship or a story within the image and gives a second point of interest.
Perspective
Portraits are most commonly taken at the same eye level as the subject. Playing around with the angle can give a completely perspective, literally and metaphorically, on the subject. For example, shooting down on your subject from above, or up at them from ground level can affect the viewer's perceptions of the subject's power or vulnerability.
Lighting
It's worth experimenting with this as there are boundless possibilities when it comes to lighting your subject. Silhouetting, back-lighting and side-lighting can enhance the atmosphere you are trying to create by enhancing or hiding your subject's features.
In action
Posed portraiture can look very unnatural. Photographing a subject doing something they love, or spending time with friends or family can result in a much more natural image, especially if you can lurk in the background using a powerful zoom lens. This works well with people who are particularly self conscious and with children.
Props
Adding a prop can both add an insight to the subject and give the eye another point of interest within the image.
Close ups
A close up on a body part can be a powerful way of photographing a subject. A section of the face, the hands or the feet can speak volumes about what has been left out.
Covering up
Obscuring part of your subject's face or body is another way to draw attention to or away from parts of your subject.
Continuous shooting
Firing a number of shots at a time gives you either a series of images or can help you achieve one which is natural when you are photographing somebody engaged in an activity or fidgety children.
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