6 TIPS TO BE A BETTER PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER IN 2017

If you want some quick and simple tips that will improve your portraits you have come to the right place. Below, is some tricks I have discovered over the years that lead to a big improvement in my portraits and they may do the same for you too. Please do check out my top portrait tips below.

1. Don’t use a lens that is too sharp

Ultra-sharp lenses record too much detail in that they highlight every spot, pimple, blemish and variation in skin tone, which does not make a flattering photo. Using a lens that is sharp, but not too sharp will result in more pleasing portrait shots. Sharpness is subjective and what some photographers find acceptably sharp other photographers won’t. The trick is to use a lens that keeps the model’s features nice and sharp but doesn’t show any imperfections.

2. Learn to pose the model

The way the model stands can make or break a portrait photo, therefore it is important you pose the model the way to capture the most flattering photo. How to pose a model is a huge topic in its own right, and with several books about the subject (all with step by step guides) and also webpages I strongly suggest you read up on the subject and learn some basic poses. Once you start posing your models effectively you will see a significant improvement in your portraits.

3. Befriend the model

If you want to capture natural photos you need to make sure the model is relaxed and comfortable, and the best way to achieve this is to “befriend” the model. To this end you need to be friendly, approachable and nice.

4. Get in nice and close

Being close to the models enables you to talk to them, communicate with them and direct them during the shoot. Being up close and personal allows you to capture engaging shots. Standing a long way from the models using a tele-lens to zoom in for frame filling shots does not result in good portraits.

5. Use some props

Using some props will add interest and context to you portrait shots. When using props for portrait photography you need to be careful and make sure the props are appropriate, otherwise using them will have a detrimental effect on the photo. Before using props in portrait photography you need to stop and think whether the prop you are intending to use will actually enhance the portrait or confuse it.

6. Think about the background

The model needs to be the focal point therefore you need to make sure the background isn’t distracting. If you’re using a photography background there is nothing to worry about, but if you aren’t you may need to be a little careful. Backgrounds don’t need to be plain to be non-distracting, they just need to be thrown out of focus, and you can do this by getting as much distance between the model and the background as possible, and also using a wide aperture.

So there we have it, 6 tips and tricks that will improve your portraits.