Portrait photography is a popular and rewarding genre that captures the personality, mood, and expression of a subject. However, it also poses some challenges, such as lighting, posing, and editing. Digital cameras can help you overcome these challenges and improve your portrait photography skills. Here are some tips on how to use digital cameras to enhance your portraits.
The first step to taking better portraits is to adjust your camera settings according to the situation. You want to use a large aperture (a low f-number) to create a shallow depth of field that blurs the background and focuses on the subject. You also want to use a fast shutter speed (a high number) to freeze the motion and avoid blur. Depending on the lighting, you may need to increase your ISO (a measure of sensitivity) to capture enough light, but be careful not to introduce too much noise (graininess). You can also use the exposure compensation (a dial or button) to brighten or darken your image as needed.
With digital cameras you can check the light before you take the final image. When teaching a class students get instant gratification by using digital where film has to be sent away
If you are using your mobile phone to make portraits then consider the following: - Check the background for things that will distract or stick out the back of someone’s head. - you will have a bigger depth of field so think about how the background can complement the person you are photographing. - consider the colours of what your subject/s are wearing and how that is affected by the background. - use a variety of camera angles do not just photograph from above as most people do for a selfie. - would the image look better in black and white? - use the longer lens at its optical setting it will give you a better result.
The choice of lens can make a big difference in your portrait photography. Different lenses have different focal lengths (a measure of distance and magnification) and effects on the perspective and distortion of the subject. Generally, you want to use a lens with a focal length of at least 50mm to avoid making the subject look too wide or distorted. A telephoto lens (a lens with a long focal length) can compress the background and create a flattering effect, while a wide-angle lens (a lens with a short focal length) can exaggerate the features and create a dynamic effect. You can also use a prime lens (a lens with a fixed focal length) to achieve a sharper and brighter image.
Digital cameras allow me to collaborate with my clients and we can now work together to create images that they love and will want to use. I check in every few shots with headshot clients especially, so we can make sure they like the background or how they are posed. I make sure they feel like their expression is right for where the photos are being used. If they change jackets or I change the backdrop we look together at the back of the camera and decide right away if we like it so we don't waste time. I almost never have to reshoot a session because I include my clients during the entire process!
Picking the right lens is super important for capturing high-quality portrait photos. Factors to consider include focal length (ranging from 50mm to 200mm for minimal distortion), aperture (preferably between f/1.4 to f/2.8 for a shallow depth of field), the presence of image stabilization for handheld photography, the choice between prime and zoom lenses, and investing in high-quality lenses for sharper images. The best choice ultimately depends on your shooting style, the type of portraits you capture, and your personal preferences. I recommend experimenting with various lenses to discover your favorite.
Another way to improve your portrait photography is to try different angles and compositions. You don't have to always shoot from eye level or center the subject in the frame. You can shoot from above or below, from the side or behind, or from close or far. You can also use the rule of thirds (a guideline that divides the frame into nine equal parts) to place the subject along the lines or at the intersections for a more balanced and interesting composition. You can also use leading lines (lines that guide the eye to the subject), frames (objects that surround the subject), or negative space (empty areas that create contrast and emphasis) to enhance your composition.
Light is one of the most important elements of portrait photography. It can affect the mood, tone, and quality of your image. You can use natural light (light from the sun or the sky) or artificial light (light from a flash or a lamp) to illuminate your subject. Natural light can create a soft, warm, and natural effect, but it can also vary depending on the time of day, the weather, and the direction. You can use a reflector (a device that bounces light back to the subject) or a diffuser (a device that softens light) to modify natural light. Artificial light can create a hard, cool, and dramatic effect, but it can also be controlled and manipulated. You can use a flash (a device that emits a burst of light) or a continuous light (a device that emits a constant light) to add artificial light. You can also use a softbox (a device that diffuses light), an umbrella (a device that reflects light), or a snoot (a device that narrows light) to shape artificial light.
One of the most essential skills of portrait photography is communication. You need to establish a rapport with your subject and make them feel comfortable and confident. You can do this by talking to them, giving them feedback, and directing them. You can also use props (objects that the subject can hold or interact with), music (sounds that can create a mood or a rhythm), or humor (jokes or stories that can make the subject laugh or relax) to make the session more fun and engaging. You want to capture the natural and authentic expression of your subject, not a forced or fake one.
When I am working with a business client I first find out where the photos are going so I know we capture the right images and file sizes. If the image is going on a Billboard it needs to be captured differently than just a headshot for LinkedIn. Also, I ask them questions like is this for you or a company you work for? Did a marketing department ask for this? questions like this help me find out if there might be specifications that they need to meet. Like a certain background color or full length pose. This may seem silly but I ask them if they feel camera ready? Do you need a hair cut or color? Do your clothes need to be tried on? These questions help the client schedule the photo session and get the photos they need and love.
The final step to improving your portrait photography is editing your photos. Editing can help you correct any flaws, enhance any details, or create any effects that you want. You can use a software program (a tool that allows you to manipulate your photos on a computer) or an app (a tool that allows you to manipulate your photos on a phone or a tablet) to edit your photos. You can use basic adjustments (such as cropping, rotating, resizing, or straightening) to improve your composition, exposure (such as brightness, contrast, or saturation) to improve your lighting, or color (such as white balance, temperature, or tint) to improve your tone. You can also use advanced adjustments (such as curves, levels, or filters) to create more dramatic or artistic effects. However, you don't want to overdo it and lose the original quality or character of your photos.
If your client is using words that seem vague like "pop" or "fun" have them find samples of images they like and then send them to you. Then be sure to ask is it the pose you like in this one or the expression? This one is fun but it's outside is that what you are looking for? The more questions you ask the closer you get to being on the same page with the vision they have in their head. Photography is a service and we want to get the images that best serve our client.