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Five Tips to Getting the Best Portrait Shot

One of the most popular forms of photography is portrait photography. Just about anyone who can point and shoot their camera can be considered portrait photographers. Obviously, however, there are differences in the quality of the portraits. There are certain tricks that professional portrait photographers use that allow them get the best out of their subjects. Portraits do not necessarily mean only a person’s image. Portraits show character and emotion. If it is your goal to become a good portrait photographer I am about to share with you five tips that can give you a step up on the competition.

Rapport: Building rapport with your subject is the firs thing that you should learn. Interest in knowing your subjects is a plus. If you get to know your subject and they know you, your they will become more comfortable in front of the camera. When the shoot comes, you have better chances of getting the best natural expressions of the people you are photographing.

Personality: The best photographs show the viewer a bit of the subject’s personality. This occurs best if you have an insight to the person. You want their personality to shine in the look in their eyes or the set of their mouth. A hint is that their personality will usually come out when they are not expecting a shot to be taken, so you have to be ready to take the picture when the opportunity comes.

Lighting: In general natural lighting is best. Don’t let this rule of thumb sway you when it comes to emphasizing the person’s face and character; in these instances you should always consider using artificial lighting. It is important to make sure the light is evenly distributed, or that it satisfies the angle that you want to emphasize. Lighting can have a great effect especially if you are looking for a serious picture.

Background: Most portraits have light backgrounds to emphasize the subject. You can also use the environment to add more character to your subject. Also, be sure that the colors of your background and the dress of your subject compliment each other. Sometimes backgrounds become the flaw of a picture because the photographer took it for granted.

Plan: Make sure your I’s are dotted and your T’s crossed before going into the shoot. Not only is it imperative that you have all the equipment that you need, but it is vital that you are confident that you can handle the job properly. Prepare all the necessary materials and be sure to bring a good topic for conversation so that your subject can relax while you are shooting.

Portrait photography is a really enjoyable hobby. If you’re serious in making it your career, you can be sure that it can be lucrative as long as you perfect your craft. However, remember that you should have the heart for the job because portrait photography’s first requirement is interest.

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