Portrait photography has been around since the mid 19th century when the daguerreotype became widely used. Portraits remain popular to this day because they can capture individuals in so many ways, from artistic to staged glamour and everything in between. Portrait photography relies more on the skills of the photographer than on the subject. Here are some tips on taking the best portraits.
Lighting
Natural lighting is best if professional lighting isn’t available. The time of day and the direction of the sun all play a part. Many photographers swear by the golden hour, the hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset. If those aren’t an option, consider shooting outdoors with the subject facing the sun to reduce shadows. It can be hard for a subject to face the sun without squinting, so think of using a sun diffuser to help with the glare.
Environment
Be aware of the surroundings. Too much going on behind the subject can be distracting, especially when using a large aperture and blurring the background. In other cases, a brightly painted brick wall can create a cool contrast. Work with your environment to find what works.
Move around the subject
Take photographs from different angles and perspectives. Using a lens that allows focussing on the subject and the environment can make angled or distance shots more interesting. Using a 70-80mm lens when photographing closer might look better from straight-on or with their head tilted at a slight angle. When working with children, it is better to photograph from their level to really capture their appearance.
Be mindful of unflattering angles
Not all angles will work for different subjects. Shooting from a lower angle could create a double-chin, and shooting from the side could emphasize a larger nose. There are a few options, they could pose the subject in a more flattering way, or the photographer could shoot at an angle that de-emphasizes the subject’s flaws.
Know your camera settings
White balance is very important and should be calibrated with a white card to fit different lighting conditions. Light reflectors are also a great way to bounce sunlight onto the subject and keep their skin from absorbing the colors of the environment. ISO can help in low lighting situations. ISO can also wash out an image, so always be sure to check it before shooting.
Save images as RAW
Raw files are crucial, not just for portrait photography, but for all photography. RAW photos can be edited in complex ways JPEGS and other formats can not.