Photography goes further than just investing in a new camera. It requires the extra effort and dedication that is put into knowing how to work the camera settings, lightning and how to add a bit of spontaneity to the act.
Taking photographs is enticing and meaningful enough that we have professional photographers who try to understand that moments are fleeting and would do anything to capture an expression before it is lost to time. They find the beauty in little things and help us keep tabs on those special moments in our lives.
Digital photography is expanding in quality and there is lots of information out there on how to get better at the craft. So, if you are looking at how to understand the dos and don’ts of portrait photography, check the tips listed below:
Do’s of Capturing People Through Camera
Do Get Closer: When taking photographs of a portrait image, the key to making it stand out is getting closer to the subject. A close-range view will oppose what one would originally get from installed nanny cam footage.
Do Less Posing: Telling your subject the exact position you want them to display will make the picture come off as rigid. Instead of just going in with the picture in your mind’s eye, give the subject a scenario that you want them to play and let them do it their own way.
Do Show Samples: Project a sample image of what you’re trying to create to your subject; this will help them understand you better. Remember that an informed model will only smoothen the shoot process and save you time and resources. A better and clever idea might just spring up from showing off what you have in mind.
Do Engage Your Subject: Having a direct to the point photo session might attach a level of negativity to the air. Try to discuss how you feel in front of your subject, to avoid bringing down their enthusiasm. Also engage them to share how they feel during a shoot to help you build excitement towards their carriage and how they understand you.
Do Great Lightning: This is one of the oldest tricks in the book when capturing people through a camera. Asides from working the environment lightning, ensure to add a little spark with catch-lights. The slivers of brightness in an iris will prevent your subject from appearing flat and dead and other artificial or ambient lights will help soften shadows in the environment.
Do Get Creative: Shift your perspective to see other angles that are in front of you instead of focusing on the just-above-eye level. Engage your creativity to see variations on an immense amount of characters with the same subject to easily make the best portrait photographs.
Do Experiment: Photography is a creative art that offers great results and exposure when you experiment with it. Don’t limit yourself from playing with the settings, editing, style, accessories, lightning, etc. Try new things even though you may mess it all up in the process, it’s part of the production gig and you might bump into a worthy result from all that experimenting.
Don’ts of Capturing People Through Camera
Don’t Touch The Subject
You might be prompted to do this out of necessity or a pulse to adjust your subject or model into a better posture. It’s better to voice out your concerns rather than endangering the entire shoot into an awkward position by touching your subject unannounced.
Don’t Touch The Lens
By doing so, it doesn’t allow for your photos to come off free and clear. Touching the lens will make every picture turn blurry. This is why as a precautionary measure, it’s advisable to first clean out the lens of your camera before engaging in a photo shoot session. Keep in mind that camera lenses are very delicate, try to treat your camera with care to avoid worries of replacing it.
Don’t Forget To Edit
Use great aperture to improve the artistic sharpness and focus in a portrait photograph. Unlike aperture, you need to use a shallow depth to improve on the skin’s quality and get rid of harsh wrinkles and blemishes. Never be afraid to edit your photographs knowing that you can easily undo everything back to normal.
Don’t Use Harsh Lighting
Lightning determines the outcome of the pictures. If you change your subject’s position remember to adjust the lightning settings to avoid deep shadows that’ll blur details or emphasize on the wrong features of your subject.
Portrait photography requires an artistic touch that enhances one’s style and mastering the art as a photographer is a different ball game. Digital cameras, smartphones and other latest enhancements in mobile devices like a hidden camera capabilities make it easier for us to indulge in the art of capturing footages and taking photos. But with time and experience by your side as a professional photographer, you will improve your skills and technical ability on how to break away from auto settings and create spectacular portrait images that will wow your audience and clients.
Junaid Ali Qureshi is an ecommerce entrepreneur with a passion for tech and marketing. Some of his current ventures include Elabelz.com, Progos Tech, Titan Tech and Smart Marketing
