What do you need to know for Better Portraits?
When it comes to shooting portraits, BK Photography knows a thing or five. Having over two decades of experience as a professional portrait photographer, he has learned a few things along the way. It’s more than just pointing a camera at your subject and pressing the shutter button. There are a number of different aspects you need to be made aware of . With that in mind, here are our top five tips for taking better portraits. We are confident that you will see a dramatic improvement in your portraits in no time.
1. Make sure you know what type of Portrait you want.
Although the meaning of a portrait can be simplified as a photograph of the face of the subject, there are indeed many types of a portrait. Candid, environmental and lifestyle, just to name a few. When deciding what type you are aiming for, ask yourself what the purpose of the portrait is. A candid portrait is where the subject is unaware they are having their photo taken. This works well for people who are shy or where you have no control over the person’s movements. An environmental portrait is great when you need to show the subject in the place of work, natural surroundings or a set-up that helps to emphasize something more about the subject. Lifestyle portraits are a bit of a mixture of candid and environmental. The difference is you have control of the subject, and the trick is to make it look candid. The environment should help create a real-life feel to the photograph. Choosing what suits the needs of the subject or you as the photographer is the best way to start.
2. Make your Subject Comfortable in front of the Camera.
Whether you are looking to shoot a corporate headshot or an environmental portrait, putting your subject at ease will make a huge impact. Needless to say, most people are nervous even at the thought of having their photo taken. People are much more likely to be open to ideas when they feel comfortable with your presence. Likewise, you will notice their body language will change. The natural smiles that all photographers strive for will start to show. We find striking up a conversation with the subject to talk about themselves a little helps a lot. Not only does it help with the final image but the overall experience. As a result, many of the portraits we shoot have been for returning clients.
3. Try Black & White Portraits
When colour photography first became popular in the 1960’s many thought it would see the end of black & white photography. Needless to say, black & white photography is still hugely popular with photographers. It has a timeless quality and evokes a mood in a way that colour images can’t. It can remove distractions that would otherwise take our focus away from the subject. Furthermore, black & white portraits strip photography back to the basics. Try to up your portrait game by conveying textures, shapes and patterns, and composition with a classical-looking black & white print.
4. Choosing the right Background.
How many times have you seen a photograph of someone where it looks like there is something growing out of their head? Consequently. paying attention to what’s in the background of your portrait is extremely important. Not only will it save your blushes, but it can also greatly add interest to your portrait. On the other hand, not all backgrounds are the same. Sometimes a plain background will work best. Similarly, a colourful backdrop might be your preference. Whatever you choose, make sure you take a moment to see what works for you. You will be pleasantly surprised with the results of your newly learned skills.
5. How to Light your Subject.
Finally, we save the best for last. Light is a fundamental part of photography. A good photographer knows how to use the light in their portrait photography and will try to use natural or available lighting or use a reflector to bounce light into areas that need it. The best photography portraits have lighting that makes the subject pop out from the background as well as from other elements of the image itself. Light sources include natural light from the sun. You can get excellent results by shooting your subject with light coming through a window. Flash on or off your camera is popular with professionals. You can create dramatic lighting by changing the angle of the flash unit. Practice and have fun, and see what happens. You might be pleasantly surprised.
Looking for a Professional Portrait Photographer?
Should you wish to find out more information on recruiting a skilled portrait photographer based in Scotland or for any of the digital services offered by BK Photography, simply visit our ‘contact us page‘ today.