subject: A Guide To Taking Magnificent Portraits [print this page] Basically, there is always a room for improvement in everything that we do. Portrait photography, in particular, allows a variety of possibilities for you to enhance your skills and take magnificent portraits like you had never imagined. If you want to improve your talent as a portrait photographer, you may want to consider the following:
Never be afraid to experiment.
More often than not, portrait photographers take photos of their subject at their eye level. This is considered to be the most effective way of capturing the emotion and artistic expression of your subject, which is why many photographers have adhered to this when it comes to their portrait shots.
However, if you want to broaden your skills and experience, you should try to modify your perspectives every now and then. You may try to get up and take a portrait of your subject on a downward view, and you may get yourself as close to the ground as possible and shoot upward.
Try a variety of styles in your portrait's composition.
For most portrait photographers, the Rule of Thirds is the most ideal way to define your desired portrait composition. If at all possible, incorporate a number of styles in your composition - you may opt to capture a shot of your subject on any part of the picture area that you desire. Note where your subject looks most interesting and appealing, and do not have any reservation when it comes to trying new things in your line of work.
Play with lighting.
When it comes to your portrait's lighting, you will know that there are limitless ways on how you can use light to create a unique and striking portrait. You may utilize side-lighting, backlighting, or silhouetting to exemplify your desired mood for your subject. You may also experiment on different colors and styles of light, and see which would show the most powerful artistry and expression for your subject.
Experiment with eye contact.
The usual method used in portrait photography is direct eye contact, where the subject is pictured looking down the lens and seemingly communicating with its viewers. Despite the artistry and popularity of the direct eye contact, you may try other styles as well, which include your subject looking off camera or looking within the frame. With the first style, you simply have to focus your subject's contact on something that is unseen and beyond your camera's view. On the other hand, looking within the frame simply shows your subject starting at a particular point within the frame.
