Portrait Photography: Tips and Methods

Portrait is defined as, "A likeness of a person, especially one showing the face, that is created by a painter or photographer, for example." In the area of portrait photography there are some guidelines that you should consider when you go to take photos of people.

The different types of portraits are: close-ups, facial shots, upper body shots or environmental portraits. Environmental portraits are where you focus on the subject and on their surroundings that provide more character to the subject.

When people have a camera in their face it usually makes them nervous and they will try to put on a face that does not portray who they really are. The real skill to portrait photography is trying to capture photos when the subjects are comfortable and not worried about a camera.

Many professional photographers try to capture their subject's true essence by using tricks. One example of this is counting to three so the subject prepares and then while they are relaxing after taking a planned photo the photographer will snap a few more unplanned photos. In most cases the subject won't even know that more than one photo was taken but it's usually the photos that the subject wasn't expecting that capture their true essence.

Another more common strategy professionals use is to tell funny jokes that make their subjects genuinely laugh or smile. I'm sure that you have probably experienced something like this yourself.

CLOSE-UP PORTRAITS

These usually have the subject's shoulders and head or less. They are framed around the face. These are the most common and best at capturing expressions and glamour shots. For these it is very important to have the light coming from a good angle. To accent wrinkles or small details you should have the light coming from the side or from the top. To create flattering pictures you should choose a cloudy day or try to create diffused light so there are hardly any shadows. Also make sure the subject is brighter than the background to reduce distraction.

For close-up portraits you should use a wide aperture (low f/stop) to make the background out of focus and therefore less of a distraction. Professionals commonly use a fixed telephoto lens that's 90 mm or higher for portraits in order to de-emphasize the subject's nose or any other unflattering feature. It works because at that distance the nose or any other feature does not seem closer to the camera than the rest of the face.

UPPER BODY OR MIDRANGE PORTRAITS

These are easier to capture because the subject is probably more relaxed because it's less personal. These include a little more of the background than close-ups. These are commonly used for both single subjects and multiple subjects. This is the kind of portrait used to mark occasions such as graduation, yearbook, birthdays and other parties. The ideal lens would be about a 90 mm fixed telephoto or more wide angle depending on how many subjects there are.

ENVIRONMENTAL PORTRAITS

These are the portraits that let you into the life of a subject. They might include the whole subject in a scenario or the subject participating in some hobby that they enjoy. These are best for telling a story to the viewer about the subject. They are almost always used by photojournalists to look into the lives of interesting people. They also make great Black and White pictures.

Use this information to develop what kind of portrait style you would like to take, and then practice it before dealing with any serious clients.

Richard Schneider is a digital photography enthusiast and founder of http://www.picturecorrect.com/ which offers tips and news about digital photography, digital camera reviews, photoshop tutorials and computer wallpaper.

Portrait Photography Tips - How to Start a Home Studio

If you're interested in making a career or part-time job out of photography, it's easier than you may think. Portrait photography is needed in almost every city and it doesn't require a lot to have a working home studio. The best thing about starting in portraiture is that you can begin with the bare essentials and add equipment as your business grows. Here's how to take the first steps:

Set Up Your Photo Studio

There are a few things that you should pick up before attempting professional portrait photography. Obviously you will need a camera (preferably digital as it's easier for inexpensive photo editing) but you will also need a tripod, a basic light setup and some sort of light reflector. Much of this equipment can be purchased either used or at low cost for entry level quality or you can improvise if you're short on cash. It would also be a good idea to buy a laptop and equip it with some photo editing tools - the portability of a laptop will make your work run much more quickly.

Additionally, you'll need some working space. An extra room, living room or even garage can often fit everything you need. Windows can provide natural light, white walls can act as natural reflectors and different colors of bed sheets can act as backgrounds.

Setting Up the Business

If you are really serious about starting a portrait photography business, you'll need to treat it as a serious business. Make sure you have small business software such as QuickBooks for your invoicing and payment tracking before you bring in your first client. It is absolutely critical that you track your income, both for eventual taxes and so that you can spot possible issues with your pricing structure.

It is also a good idea to have a business website with your online photo portfolio available for browsing. With so many people using the internet to locate professional services, an online presence is a powerful way to bring in new business. You can build a simple site or hire the work out through a freelancing website such as Elance. Make sure it has your contact information!

Finally, think of ways to set your portrait photography studio apart from the rest. If you want to get a competitive edge, try focusing on a specific photography niche. For instance, people are willing to pay more for photographs of their pets or children, and if you specialize in one of those fields you'll have less competition to contend with.

Once you have the studio up and running, the cash flow handled and have the strategy of the business down, you should be ready for taking the plunge into professional portrait photography. If you use effective word of mouth marketing and some other forms of advertising, there is no measuring the potential a small studio could have. And don't worry because if you provide excellent photographs to your clients, no one will ever remember you used bed sheets as backdrops!

Autumn Lockwood is a writer for Your Picture Frames and loves picture frames. Shop online and see our selection of 8 x 10 picture frames and many other sizes by visiting our online picture frame store or calling 1-800-780-0699.

Portrait Photography Tips - Shooting Wow Pictures

All budding photographers, as well as those who've been shooting for awhile, are all looking for the same thing. They want to shooting stunning photographs that capture the "wow" factor. It is not an easy thing to do, since beauty is in the eye of the beholder. However, it is not impossible and rather than following rules, sometimes it is necessary to break them. Be random and boldly follow your instincts to find that special picture that makes everyone stop and take notice.

1. Change the Perspective - Nearly all portraits are taken with the camera at eye level. Change the perspective by changing the angle from which you're shooting. Get up high over your subject for one effect. From that vantage you may see an even more interesting aspect. Experiment with your composition.

2. Play with the Eyes - Eye contact or the direction in which the eyes are gazing heavily affects the effect of the portrait. Looking directly into the camera isn't always the most interesting way to shoot someone. It may be more intriguing to have the subject look off to the side, drawing those who look at the shot to wonder what's there, off camera, unseen. But be careful how you do this, because drawing the viewer's eyes to the side also takes their eyes off your subject.

3. Staying Focused within the Frame - In other words, have your subject holding an object, like a woman holding a baby, or a child holding a toy keeps the viewers eyes focused inside the frame and on the subjects. It creates a second point of interest and helps to create a story within the frame with the subject.

4. Composition Rules - Composition rules as listed in portrait photography tips, are made to be followed and broken. The rules are great to know and to use, but stretching them, or pushing to the outer limits makes for more interesting portrait art. Learn the rules, get comfortable using them, then learn to break them in order to achieve a more eye catching result.

5. Experiment with Lighting - The possibilities are endless with lighting. You are hindered only by your imagination and ability to be creative. There is no good and bad. So go ahead and play with the lighting. You might surprise yourself. Sidelight, back-light, silhouette, the possibilities are infinite.

6. Make Subject Move - Interesting portraits happen when you take the subject out of his or her comfort zone. Make them move. Put them in clothing or in a setting where you wouldn't ordinarily find them. Surround them with stuff that says who they are, but make them react differently to it. For instance, put them in business attire in an office, but have them jump up and down or read a book upside down. Again, be creative.

7. Don't Stage the Photo - Shooting candid shots are better than posing the subject. People, and kids in particular tend to tense up and hide rather than reveal their personality when the picture is staged and they are required to pose. Photograph your subjects while they work or kids while they play. Try to catch them reacting naturally to their environment.

8. Using Props - Enhance your shot by creating another point of interest with a prop. For example, if you're shooting a doctor, let them be wearing a stethoscope or holding a skull. Be careful not to let the prop dominate the picture, let it be part of the picture telling part of the story.

9. A Part of the Whole - Try focusing on a part of the whole, for instance, instead of shooting the head and shoulders of your subject, take a picture or two of their hands, or their back, or maybe even a shoulder with a special tattoo, keeping the face in shadow. Be dramatic and bold. Sometimes what is left out of the shot is as important as what is left in.

10. Variation on a Theme - Obscuring your subject in order to focus on one particular aspect works well too. In other words, shrouding a woman in a shawl leaving only her eyes visible and looking at the camera. Possibly making the shawl match the eyes of the subject making for a dramatic color statement.

The possibilities for taking creative and dramatic shots are limited only by your ability to think outside the box. Know the rules, know how to work them, then learn how to break them for a more creative effect. Finally, take a series of shots... not just one... shoot often and quick... sometimes, in order to get what you want.

I hope you have found these portrait photography tips useful.

Jonnie Blaylock is a hobbyist photographer that helps new photographers learn the fundamentals with his Portrait Photography Tips and more.

Portrait Photography Tips For Good Looking Portraits

The ability to take great portraits depends on following a few essential "rules" I've boiled down to these portrait photography tips. Even if you are just starting out, following these guidelines can assist you in improving your portraits.

Types of Portraits

First, it is important to understand the different types of portraits which you can take. There are three basic types of portraits. They are 1) close-ups or head shots, 2) head and shoulder shots and 3) environmental shots. An environmental shot is a type of portrait where the photographer focuses on the subject and the environment that surrounds the subject. This type of shot provides character to the subject.

The type of portrait you choose depends on the purpose of the portrait and the mood you want to convey. A more formal portrait, for example, might feature an upper body shot. A less formal portrait might be an environmental shot. A great environmental portrait can be achieved provided that you frame the environment and the subject well. Arches, doorways and windows can all be used to your advantage for framing an environmental portrait.

Portrait Photography Tips: Posing

There are also different ways in which the subject can be posed. Many of the best portraits are taken when the subject is not actually looking directly into the camera. In fact, great portraits are often taken when the subject is completely comfortable and natural. Allow the subject to sit or stay comfortably.

You might have them sit on a chair or even on the floor. Encourage them to be comfortable. If you need less of a relaxed look, you can always move in closer to focus on a face shot.

Portrait Photography Tips: Depth of Field and Focal Length

Both depth of field and focal length are critical to creating great portraits. When you have a shallow depth of field, the focal point will be sharp while everything else becomes blurry. This can prevent the background from distracting the viewer's attention from the subject.

A larger aperture setting will result in a shallow depth of field with a background that is softer while the subject is sharp. Likewise a smaller aperture setting will result in both the foreground and the background appearing in focus and sharp.

Zooming or walking in closer will help you to fill the frame with the subject of the portrait. This does not necessarily mean you must do a facial or close-up shot. Filling the frame with your subject will still allow you to achieve a 'tight' full-body shot.

Portrait Photography Tips: Lighting

Lighting is critical to good portrait photography. There are various types of lighting that can be used in portrait photography. Main light should typically be diffused or you may have results that are too harsh. You can diffuse the main light by placing something nearly transparent between the main light and the subject. Generally, the main light should be positioned approximately 45 degrees either to the left or the right of the portrait subject.

Fill lights are also used, typically opposite the main light source. Fill lights should be used with less intensity than the main light source; however. One of the advantages of fill lights is that they can soften shadows that may be created as a result of the main light.

Side lights or hair lights can provide lighting for the subject's hair. This can give your portrait depth and can also help in separating your subject from the background.

John Best is a photography enthusiast that has a hard time putting down his camera. John also likes to teach photography business and is currently building up a site with free photography tutorials at http://www.freephotovideos.com

Portrait Photography Tips and Tricks

Would you like to improve your portrait photography? Knowing how to set up your camera and lighting to take quality pictures is just one of many steps. You also have to pose your subject while helping them feel relaxed and comfortable. Having great technical skills is a good start, but personal skills will also go a long way when photographing people. Let's look at some things you'll have to consider to take good portraits.

If you're taking your portraits in a studio be sure to set up everything before your subject arrives. Making your subject wait can make them feel anxious and even annoyed. These negative feelings will show up in the photographs. Get the lighting right. Have some props. Props can be used to make your subject feel more comfortable. Many people will relax more quickly if they're given something to do with their hands. If you're using a backdrop have it in place before the person arrives. If you're shooting outside of your studio, try to familiarize yourself with the location before the shoot. Walk around the area and get ideas for pictures.

You should plan a general look and feel for the portraits before the photo shoot. When your subject arrives discuss those ideas with them and get feedback. These original ideas often change, but they're good to set you in a direction for the photography session.

Don't be afraid to give your subject directions. Most people need to be posed for photographs. Many, if left to their own devices, will appear slouchy in pictures. Having your subject lean slightly forward will help stop them from slouching. While you're taking the pictures talk to our subject about their interests. Getting to know them better will help them feel more comfortable. Eventually, they may forget about the camera all together. If someone is uncomfortable having their portrait taken it really shows up in the picture. It's important that you go out of your way to help them relax.

Be creative. Creative portraits that break the rules can be very effective. Try different camera angels. Change the lighting. Use filters. See what works best for the mood your trying to capture. Some portraits may just include the person's hands. In some portraits the face fills the whole picture. Photography is a creative art. Once you know the rules don't be afraid to break them. As you make changes, be confident without being bossy. This will help your subject trust your decisions and be more willing to follow your instructions.

Combining these skills with the technical skills you already have will help make you the most popular portrait photographer in town.

Lovelyn loves photography and want to share her knowledge with you. Check out her website for more portrait photography tips. You can find plenty of other free tutorials there too.

Portrait Photography Tips and Tricks For Great Portraits

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.

Portrait Photography Tips For Beginners

Every photographer is looking for one thing: the "wow" factor. Capturing a photograph that is stunning and artistic in every angle is not an easy thing to do, since the definition of art and beauty differs with each individual. However, it can be done by following your instinct as an artist.

Try matching that with this set of portrait photography tips and see what happens.

In portrait photography, there are times where the effect of working against the rules is incredibly beautiful. It is sometimes good to be random and bold to be able to shoot that perfect picture.

In line with that, try to experiment with your composition. Basically, portraits are taken with the camera at eye level. Change the angle from which you are shooting and notice the change in perspective. Depending on the effect you want to achieve, you can position yourself over or lower your subject. From varying your vantage, you may see an even more interesting aspect of the object of focus.

The direction in which the eyes look at the camera greatly affects the effect of the portrait. Know that directly looking into the camera is not always the best way of shooting someone. Play with the eyes and be more intriguing. This way, reviewers of the shot are drawn to wonder as to what is probably there, off camera.

Stay focused within the portrait frame. It helps to come up with a second point of interest that is related to the main focus of the portrait. In other words, create a story within the frame.

Composition rules that are advised as portrait photography tips are meant to be followed and broken. These rules are important to be studied and used. However, stretching them or pushing to their outer limits can result to far more promising pieces. Aside from being unconventional, it can result to more interesting form of portrait art.

At the end of this article, I'd like to share cool websites with more tips on topics like portrait photography tips and how to draw a rose. Visit for more information.