Portrait Photography

Are you one that just takes pictures of friends without thinking how they might turn out?  Portrait photography takes you a step up from people photography.  It gives you elements to notice such as the angle you take the photograph, the lighting you will use, and the expression of emotion on a persons face.  While you may be an amateur photographer deciding to take Christmas photos without the expense you will need to have some basic knowledge of techniques used by the professionals. You can find this knowledge through a digital photography course online but  first, read a good digital photography course review.

First when taking a photograph of a person you need to study their face.  The face is important to the angle you will shoot from.  Though it is a cliché, it is true some people have a better side.  This could be in relation to scarring or acne breakouts or even simpler.  For instance my left eye is larger than my right by just a bit, and looking head on into the camera will cause a horrible portrait, however if the photographer comes from the right side and angles up a little the light and shadows will help even out the features while keeping the distinctions that make me who I am.

Capturing the essence of the subject’s personality is what portrait photography is all about.  The little nuances of a face add character to the portrait.  You will want to loosen up your subjects.  If you are becoming a professional portrait photographer you will want to learn about your subject as you are taking pictures or perhaps meet them before the session.You should know what would get their personality captured on film if they are just your family. 

The next important step to portrait photography is lighting.  A lot of photographers prefer natural light to artificial.In part, your subject will make this decision for you.  Remember you will use the light you have.  Natural light will often require setting the aperture to compensate for the cameras lack of definition.To get the effect you want you need to create the contrast between the light and shadows in other words.  Often artificial light is harsh and not directed properly unless in a studio.  Again you will need to use the manual settings on your camera to create the perfect portrait. 

The background is also important when discussing light.Picking backgrounds that will not wash out features or clothing is what good studio photographers do.  They want to have a distinction or contrast between you and the background.  This is also important of home portrait photography.  You will want a background that gives color to your subject rather than taking it away.  Finding a nice spot with a tree to sit on and mountains in the background can be a great portrait, but you will want to make sure the background is not too busy to distract from the subject.  Make the subject seem apart of the picture rather than outside of it.

The type of camera and film you use will also determine the quality of the photograph.  Once you combine techniques such as lighting, angles, and understanding your subject you will be able to create a near to professional if not professional portrait for your friends and family no matter the occasion.Wouldn’t it be great to have a better portrait rather then just snapping another picture?