Taking a great portrait is more than just getting someone to smile for the
camera. A portrait tells a story, reveals the unique qualities of its
subject and explains why that person is special to the photographer.
Have you ever seen a portrait of a stranger that makes you feel like you know the person? The world's great portrait photographers, such as the late Yosuf Karsh, have not only mastered the tools and techniques of photography, but often spend time with their subjects in their homes and workplaces, getting to know them and getting a sense of their lives. As a result, the subjects are no longer strangers to them and the resulting portraits are full of insight and understanding.
You can achieve similar effects with your own camera and a few simple household items, once you know some of their tricks.
Tell a story
When you shoot a portrait, you become a storyteller and, like any good
storyteller, you have to ask a few questions to get yourself started. What
does the person being photographed mean to you? What knowledge of this
person do you want to share with the world? What qualities do you want to
reveal in your portrait?
Does your daughter play the saxophone? Then maybe you want to photograph her with her instrument. Is your husband a gardener? Perhaps you can photograph him with his prize-winning roses. Do you think your wife has a mysterious smile? Make it the focus of your photograph. Does your father take a daily walk in the woods? You can photograph him strolling on his favourite tree-lined path.
The answers to such questions will help you tell a story as you prepare to take the perfect portrait.
Learn from the pros
If you've ever had your family or individual portrait taken in a professional photography studio, then you know how complicated such preparation can be. Professional photographers use lights, reflectors, backdrops and sets to create perfect photographs. They even use fancy lighting equipment when photographing portraits outdoors. But you don't need expensive equipment and a professional-level camera to produce outstanding results. You can achieve similar effects with your own camera and a few simple household items, once you know some of their tricks.
Set your camera
Your digital camera takes a lot of the guesswork out of taking portraits.
Most digital cameras have a portrait setting that keeps your subject sharply
in focus while the background is out of focus; and a portrait/landscape
setting that keeps both your human subject and the background sharply in
focus.
Use portrait mode if you are using a neutral background or if you don't want to draw attention to background elements such as buildings, trees and other landscape features. Use portrait/landscape mode if you want to place fairly equal emphasis on both your human subject and her surroundings. If you use the latter mode, make sure that your background doesn't overwhelm your subject or cause her to blend in too greatly.
If your camera doesn't have combined portrait/landscape mode, use either landscape mode or auto mode to keep your subject and background in focus.
Choose a background and props
If you're shooting indoors, you can use a blank wall or closed drapes to create a neutral background. You can even drape a solid-coloured bed sheet or blanket over a wall or furniture to create a neutral backdrop like the ones found in a photo studio. If you're shooting outdoors, the sky makes an excellent neutral backdrop.
If you opt for a background that isn't neutral, choose a setting that is visually appealing and says something about the person in the picture. Photograph your favourite uncle in his favourite chair, or your best friend sitting under a tree. Just remember to choose a background that doesn't overwhelm your subject.
Finally, have at hand any props you may want to use, such as a favourite toy, a musical instrument, a baseball glove, etc. Props are an excellent way to add colour and visual interest to your portrait.
Portrait Photography Continued: [1] [2] [3]
|
Email this page
