Portrait photography (commonly called portraiture) captures the likeness of a person or group of persons by photography. In portrait photography, the face or the facial expression of the individual photographed is usually the focal point of the image. If desired, the entire body and surrounding background can be included in the final image. Portrait photography is not a snapshot, but a carefully composed image of an individual or group of individuals in a controlled and still setting.
With portrait photography, all of the standard rules or guidelines of still photography continue to apply. However, just like with other photography, sometimes the resulting images provide that WOW factor when the rules are broken. The photographer is the artist and the camera's film or digital memory card becomes the canvas. It is the portrait photographer's responsibility to capture the mood, the expression, the light, and the personality of the subject.
Change the angle of the shot
For most facial portraits, camera is usually at eye level with the subject and the subject is looking straight at the camera lens. If you are not going for the more traditional, formal portrait, try taking your photos from different angles. Try getting low to the subject and point the camera up towards the subject's face. Alternatively, get above the subject and shoot down while the subject is looking up at the camera. Consider shooting at a cross angle for some interesting perspective.
As you evaluate the results of the above actions, you may find that there will be subtle changes in how the lighting affects the highlighting of features or the elimination of shadows.
Experiment with composition
One of the first rules of photography taught is the "Rule of Thirds." This rule has the photographer mentally divide the image into nine equal squares by imagining two parallel lines intersecting with two vertical lines. The focal point of the image rests on one of the points of intersection. This also gives the photographer four invisible lines that are useful for positioning other elements of the photograph. This all gives the image a sense of balance and tends to involve the viewer in the portrait.
With portrait photography, consciously breaking this rule can give you some very stunning portraits. Occasionally the mood or setting can give you some ideas as to what might work. Consider placing the subject or focal point squarely in the center of the image. On the other hand, perhaps having the subject on the edge of the photo can convey that story you are trying to capture.
Play with props
Props are very useful to the portrait photographer when taking photos of young children. Adding props to your adult portraiture can also provide for some very intriguing shots. A single rose or other favorite flower can do much for enhancing the photo and bringing out emotions you might not be able to capture otherwise. You do not want the prop to detract from or draw attention away from your subject, but a meaningful prop can add to the portraiture's impact.
There are several other factors to consider in portrait photography. Paying attention to your composition, utilizing props, and changing the angle of the shot will go a long way towards helping you get that WOW factor.
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