Portrait Photography Tips
Portrait photography tips (portraiture) is the way we can capture an image through the use of photography of a single person or group of people mainly showing the face of the subject. It has been around since photography was invented, before that people had portrait paintings made although this was mainly for wealthy people, since the advent of photography portraits became available to all.
Portraiture aims to capture a good likeness of the subject with the facial expression being paramount in importance conveying mood and personality. Within the portrait our attention is entirely focused on the face but this is not to say only the face is shown, it could show all or part of the body or even some background but the face and expression is the most important area of the portrait.
Usually a portrait has planning involved, this may be that a close up image is required perhaps for commercial purposes or a half or full length portrait as a personal memento. Whatever the reason a plan is formulated to get the best from the portrait, it isn’t a snapshot but more usually a well composed picture quite often with the subject looking at the camera.
Most portraits involve non professional models it may be family portraits to celebrate a new arrival, birthday or wedding. Professional looking results are required even if it is only ever seen by family members. If the portrait is needed for commercial reason this does not always mean a model is used it may be the owner of the company for a report, a new employee or an author of a book, (the list is endless!) it may be that a simpler style of portrait is needed but as a wider audience is involved then professional quality results are imperative.
Portrait Photography Lighting Tips.
Lighting is an essential part of the portrait. The choices usually are firstly studio lighting, here the photographer has complete control, in that they can place the light or lights wherever they wish in relation to the subject, as well as full control of the light intensity making them brighter or duller as needed. Studio portraiture is a very popular option with photographers who are able to work quickly and get consistent results all the time.
Then there is ‘available’ light this means to just take the portrait as you see it with only the light in the room as you see it. The photographer has to work a little harder here placing the subject where the light illuminates them best, it may be at or near windows or doors; in a church it may be as the light falls on an aisle or an alter. These choices may have to be made quickly as the light can change in seconds but the results from a skilled photographer can be stunning.
Finally the choice is an ‘environmental’ portrait. This, as the name suggests is a portrait taken outside with an environmental background. This is not an easy option, outdoor portrait photography tips require a lot of planning from where you take the portrait, where you place the subject in relation to the background to the time of year and day to get the best in respect of foliage and light only to be dashed at the last minute by a change in the weather. A good environmental photographer should have an alternate plan and choice available as often a postponement is always not an option.
Tips Portrait Photography.
Good photographic equipment is a must; you can get good results on a decent compact type camera but you are going to produce portraits to a high standard on a regular basis a good quality digital camera with interchangeable lenses is a must if you want to achieve high quality results.
Good portraiture requires skills that can be learned and once learned can give a lot of satisfaction and pleasure to both photographer and subject. With practice and as confidence builds this satisfaction and pleasure just continue.
Portrait photography I think can be likened to a game of chess, in that the rules can are quickly learned and after that you can spend a lifetime honing your game.
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