Tips on Photographing People
Posted on 12. Oct, 2008 by sfxsource in Photography
Portraits are a lot of fun to take, especially of your friends and family. However, you are probably looking for ways to get more creative and make your photographs look more professional. What follows are tips to take stunning portraits, steering away from the boring 'snap-shot.'
1. Generally, you do not want your subject in the middle of the frame. When you have a subject in the center, you photograph is not as interesting as it could be. By placing your subject on either side of the frame, you not only construct a more exciting photograph, but you now add context by revealing some of the background.
2. Place your subject where the sun is gently lighting their face. If your light source is behind your subject, they will end up being darker than the background and you will lose detail in their face (there are some occasions where you would want this effect). The best natural (outdoor) lighting is in the morning and afternoon, specifically before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m.
3. Your camera may have a "Portrait" setting, creating a blurred background because it sets a shallow depth of field, blurring the background. This feature is very useful, and it will allow the viewer to focus on the subject. If you want to create this effect manually, set your aperture below 5.6
4. Don't be afraid to get close to your subject. Zoom in; fill the frame with their face. Also, photograph your subject looking somewhere else besides the camera. Always make sure that your subject is comfortable and having fun.
5. While many portraits are of the subject's face, not all of them have to be. Try capturing a portrait without the subject's face. What do their hands, feet, or possessions say about them? Where do they work, where are they in their element, where do they enjoy spending time?
6. Be creative. Try tilting the camera, or have the person move around. In low lighting (and using a tripod), you can use a long shutter speed to create streaking effects.
Have fun, there are not set rules to follow. Your subject may even have some ideas for certain shots or locations. After the photo shoot, send your subject one of the wonderful photographs you took.
