How can you compose dynamic portraits?

1 Choose a focal point

The first step to composing a dynamic portrait is to decide what you want to emphasize in your image. This could be the eyes, the smile, the hair, or any other feature that draws attention. The focal point should be sharp and clear, while the rest of the image can be blurred or out of focus. You can use a wide aperture, a fast shutter speed, or a telephoto lens to create a shallow depth of field and isolate your subject from the background.

2 Use the rule of thirds

The rule of thirds is a basic principle of composition that divides the frame into nine equal sections. By placing your subject along one of the vertical or horizontal lines, or at one of the intersections, you can create a more balanced and interesting image. The rule of thirds also helps you avoid placing your subject in the center, which can make your portrait look static and boring. You can use the grid option on your camera or phone to help you align your subject with the rule of thirds.

3 Experiment with angles and perspectives

Another way to compose dynamic portraits is to change your angle and perspective. Instead of shooting from eye level, try moving higher or lower, closer or farther, or to the side or the front of your subject. This can create a different mood, expression, or sense of scale in your portrait. For example, shooting from above can make your subject look more vulnerable or innocent, while shooting from below can make them look more powerful or confident. Shooting from close up can reveal more details and emotions, while shooting from far away can show more context and environment.

4 Add some movement and action

Portraits don't have to be static and posed. You can also capture some movement and action in your portraits to make them more dynamic and lively. You can ask your subject to walk, run, jump, dance, or do any other activity that suits their personality and style. You can also use props, such as hats, scarves, balloons, or flowers, to add some color and fun to your portraits. To freeze the motion, you can use a fast shutter speed or a flash. To create some blur, you can use a slow shutter speed or a panning technique.

5 Play with light and shadows

Light and shadows are essential elements of composition that can create contrast, drama, and mood in your portraits. You can use natural or artificial light sources, such as the sun, a window, a lamp, or a flash, to illuminate your subject in different ways. You can also use reflectors, diffusers, or filters to modify the quality and direction of the light. You can experiment with different lighting scenarios, such as backlighting, sidelighting, frontlighting, or low-lighting, to see how they affect your portrait. You can also use shadows to create shapes, patterns, or silhouettes in your portrait.

6 Break the rules

The tips and techniques we have shared are not fixed rules, but rather guidelines that can help you compose dynamic portraits. However, you can also break the rules and try something different or unconventional in your portrait composition. You can crop your subject in unusual ways, tilt your camera, use negative space, or add some distortion or effects. The most important thing is to have fun and express your creativity and vision in your portraits.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?