subject: Hot Tips For Shooting Amazing Portraits [print this page] As weird as it may sound, many folks still believe that if they want to get a good picture of themselves they have to ask for professional help. But dont worry good old camera and some skill can help you metamorphose into a pro. The good news is you can do it as naturally as breathing even if your camera is by no means a state-of-the-art device. Portraits are considered to be one of the most difficult areas of photography. Seriously, you only have this face to dwell upon and nothing more, thats why it is so hard. Besides, there are a lot of various factors to keep in mind while taking a picture of a person such as the background, colors, lighting, etc. All in all, as with any other craft, good photography requires a bit of know-how. So, stop talking, start shooting.
The first tip for good portraying is to focus on the eyes. Eyes are usually the first thing that people notice, so thats a good idea to center upon them.
Refuse to posing your subject unnaturally. Cmon sweetie, show me the passion, Raise your chin... These guidelines are typical for photographers, but too much guidance can result in the loss of individuality.
With the respect to the previous point, try to keep it real. Dont ask a model to put a mask and just let him or her act naturally.
Play with the perspectives and try different angles of shooting. Just keep in mind that when it comes to portraits there is just one rule: no rules. All in all, dont be scared of experimenting.
Another crucial point is the fact that your model isnt the only thing to consider. For instance, setting the right background is absolutely crucial. For example, you can try to match the color of your models eyes, clothing, and hair with the background. Another trick is blurred background. It means that the viewers attention is focused exclusively on the face.
Set proper lighting this way you are sure you get the most bang of your portrait. If you shoot on budget with a regular camera, youd better look for sunny places. Besides, you can try to use just one light and play with the angles to create shadows. In two words, lighting depends on the face itself. Proper lighting can hide the shortcomings, and thats nice to know.
And of course, dont forget to use specific software for editing. But remember that moderation in all things is crucial. Just edit the most visually striking shortcomings and thats enough.
