Whether you're a professional photography or an amateur like me one of the most difficult shots to take is a portrait. Shooting a portrait that captures the subject's personality is really an art. Some of the best ones I've ever seen are portraits that break the rule and step out of the box, not for the shock or "odd" value but for the change of perspective that can often really portray your subject in a different light that let's their individuality show. Here are some portrait photography tips and tricks I've used in the past to take great portraits. I hope they'll fire up your own imagination.
Alter Your Perspective
Most portraits are taken at eye level of the subject. Try for a different height and change things around. Shoot down on your subject from above or lay down on the floor and shoot up and see what happens.
Eye Contact
The eyes really influence the feel of a portrait. A subject looking directly into the camera lens has a much different feel than one who is focused on something outside of the camera frame. Have your subject focus on something outside the frame to add interest. What are they looking at? What's making them laugh? What are they so intently interested in? Is it a thing or a person? Another idea to try is having your subject focus on something in the frame with them. A book, a pet, a child. Something to interact with and create interest and a story.
Break the Rules
The rule of thirds in composition was established because it is pleasing to the eye. Use that rule more as a guideline or break it entirely by framing your subject to one side and you will have a totally different picture.
Change Things Up
We all have preconceptions of a photographic portrait. Posed in a static environment that we are familiar with. Change things up and get your subject moving or doing something a bit outside their normal comfort zone. Stand on one foot, jump up and down, stand on a chair, play with a hat. Sounds silly, but your subject will laugh and move in a different way and you may get some out of the ordinary shots.
I'm an amateur portrait photographer. My favorite subjects are portraits of dogs and kids, especially together. Stop by PHOTOGRAPHYPOSE.INFO for tips on how to pose models and taking great portraits.