How to Take a Favorite Portrait

Do you have a favorite picture of yourself or of a loved one? Do you know what it is about the picture that makes you like it so much? Here are a few tips to help you be able to make portraits that will always be your favorite.

Tip #1: The Three - Quarter Pose

Most of the time a picture that is straight on to the subject lacks an appealing dynamic and will likely make the subject seem wider than they are. The easiest way to eliminate this is to have your subject stand at an angle to the camera. The face should be slightly tilted to one side as the subject looks directly into the camera lens. Pay attention to the the size of the subjects eyes. There is always one eye bigger than the other. Make sure the smaller eye is closer to the camera to make it appear bigger.

Tip #2: Use The Available Light Effectively

Diffused light will make all the difference in a photograph. A slightly cloudy day will provide a huge soft filtered light. If you are indoors try shooting a subject with the light from a window. Avoid direct light. Position the subject at an angle to the light source and don’t be afraid to try a few different angles. Side light can be dramatic and make a person’s face seem thinner.

Tip #3: Don’t Be Afraid To Zoom In

If you have a zoom camera you may like the effects a zoom camera will have on your subject. Zooming in makes a shallower depth of field and will blur the background making your subject “pop”. Also zooming will make the subjects body look more proportionate like it should. Also decide if you are going to get a shot of just the subjects upper body, three quarter length pose, or a full length portrait. Too often people don’t get in close enough to make a shot more personal. By close, I don’t mean that photographer being too close to the subject as that can make them uncomfortable and it will show in the photograph. Make sure your camera can zoom in enough to fill the frame with a person’s head and shoulders without being too close to them.

Tip #4: Good Posture, Good Composure, Great Picture

Have your subject avoid standing on both feet evenly. It is better if they put all of their weight on their back and have a slight bend in their front leg. Whatever you do, do not have your subject put all their weight on their front foot. Make sure they are slightly bent away from the camera and that they are holding their back up straight. If you want to capture the subject sitting down try using a stool or a bench to encourage good posture. What ever you do avoid straight lines. Eyes should not be perfectly parallel with the ground and neither should the shoulders.

Tip #5: Have Fun and Connect With Your Subject

If you are taking pictures of a loved one make sure and be positive and bring out the best in them so they will smile from the eyes. This will be evident in a picture. If it is somebody you don’t know as well, make sure and compliment them and find things to connect with.

Summary: If you can learn these 5 simple steps you are well on your way to taking those portraits that become our favorite portraits.