Portrait Photography

There are many types of portrait photography ranging from single person to couples, children and animals to name a few.

Families often get portraits done, they are great to have in the home and represent the unity of the household. Should you be thinking about creating a photography business in portraiture then the following points may come in handy.

Taking pictures of people

Being a photographer you have a lot of competition but you have just as much chance as everyone else. Its not often based on the biggest wallet, improvisation will ensure a high end product as long as you plan your shots and enjoy your work.

Get to know your subject

Should you ever do a portrait photograph you need to become close to your subject. Discuss your thoughts and take onboard theirs but ultimately you need to really get to know the person you are about to photograph. This does not necessarily go for promo shots of models in bikinis on the bonnets of sports cars. I am taking about the sensual shots you take of a person to capture their mood in one single shot.

The look in their eyes, their posture, their clothing it all counts towards the emotion of the image and indeed the person. In many cases it needs to be a true reflection of the subjects thoughts and attitude towards themselves and life.

This goes for the portraiture of couples too, in order to capture their love for each other you need to bring this out in the picture. it is essential that you get to know your subjects on quite an intimate level for a brief period.

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Things to avoid

Remember your a professional now and your images can only reflect that fact. You need to breakaway from the usual family portraiture habits which more than likely involved subjects to be dead centre sporting a cheesy grin.

Your subjects most probably have never had their photography taken this way before so understandably they maybe nervous. You need to ease their worries and make them feel comfortable around you and especially in front of the camera. Embarrassment and nervousness will show up on camera as body language is difficult to hide.

Your subjects will be inclined to do what they have always done when it comes to having their photo taken. Gently instruct them to relax and pose comfortably and appropriately. Their own personality will eventually put them into a position that best suits them. Its up to you to then tweak their position for composition purposes and also their expression.

Avoid busy backdrops, normally studio work is done to a plain backdrop however props can be used to help bring out the character further. For example if your taking pictures of a painter who often painted flowers you may put a flower in her hair or a vase of flowers by your subject. The shadow of the flowers may be cast onto the backdrop giving a subtle hint to the viewer of something dear to the subject.

A studio can be setup to suite any mood or creative insight. Soft light is often preferred also having the subject illuminated from behind can in most cases reduce the appearance of wrinkles. A longer focal length can also help flatten the nose which may look too prominent. Should you wish to remove a noticebale double chin then a slightly elivated shooting position will hide this feature.

It all comes back to the first tip which is getting to know your subject outside and in.

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Then applying your skills to the studio setup. Make decisions as to the backdrop or whether or not you want a studio shoot or an environmental shot within a natural surrounding that best suits the subject(s).

Professional portrait photography has many elements to it, many of which do need planning. The efficiency of your service will improve the more you do it but it is important to remember that your running a business and that you are offering a service to the public. Throughout the whole experience ensure that your customer is comfortable and happy as this will reflect in your final product.

Many portrait photographers will have their own way of doing things and my humble opinion is only a starting block for your prosperous future. I want to inspire you to enjoy your photography and most of all for you to enjoy unearthing the hidden depths of portraiture capturing beauty within each and every person you photograph. Also capturing the energy from a group of people, the love from a family or courting pair.

Be inspired by each person or group of people you photograph, treat them as a fuel to your creativity. Understanding the subject will allow these visions to enter your mind more naturally, once you have them its up to you to create now create them. Your studio maybe suitbale or you may want to wonder further a field.

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There are lots of beauty spots beyond the studio however the benefits of shooting within the studio is lighting. The weather cannot always be relied on which can drastically effect lighting. There are lighting rigs that can be used out doors but this takes time, effort and money. If you can use natural light then try to so so, however a decent flash gun can give you the lighting advantage you need. A flash gun can be placed in different spots and remotely triggered by infra-red as soon as the action button is pressed.

A crucial part of the creation towards your shoot is of course the clothing and makeup of your subject. Clothing as we know in the high street gives out clear and precise statements. They identify each and every one of us and prove that we are all different with our very own unique styles and tastes. This needs to come across in your shot, what the person is wearing or not depending on the shoot gives a massive amount of emotion and attitude to the final subject.

To emphasise love and affection it is good to have your subjects close with their skin touching be it cheek to cheek or arms eloped skin contact is warming to the eye.

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Young Portraiture

When you come to do a shoot of younger subjects you need to understand that nervousness will be increased and attention spans will be decreased.

Babies will most probably be frightened of all the equipment and new faces, try to make them smile and laugh a lot. also it is recommended that photo shoots with babies are carried out after the baby has had a little to drink and eat, also that they are clean. This prevents tears during the shoot. Always ensure that the baby as friendly faces nearby to ensure everything is all right.

Depending on the age of the toddle you may need to make sure that the babies head is supported and that they are at not risk of falling off anything. Safety is paramount, this goes for outdoor environment shots too.

Have toys and distractions to keep the baby happy and looking in the direction that you requirer for the shot. Try to set your lighting up so that you do not need to use flash, this could alarm the baby.

Toddlers are expressive because they have not developed the emotion of embarrassment as much as older boys and girls so they will be happy to strike lots of poses and pull lots of faces. Its all fun and importantly its their own unique personalities uncontrollably pouring out.

Children do have minds, they can think and they do have feelings. Its often harder to reach this within a child but depending on the shoot its great if you can capture this. In many cases parents want pictures of their sons and daughters to remind them of their cherished childhood. Being the photographer you need to find the true child and take pictures of it, using props and getting on the same level as the child will help with this.

Should the child become restless and negative towards the shooting process then stop. Try again another day, never force or rush these things your images need to be right and fulfilling.

Taking pictures of young adults is different again as the subject tends to show more signs of embarrassment. Opening up can be a struggle as they perhaps don't even speak this way with their parents. Their lives are becoming chaotic with lots of new thoughts emotions. You have to accept this and work around it most of all be patient. You have to gain their trust and slowly they will begin to let you in to their lives.

The older they get the more conscious they are going to be about their appearance. This normally is more noticeable with females and rightly so as they want to look their best so it is in your best interests to help them achieve it.

Teenagers tend to want to make a statement about themselves when photographed. The clothes they wear, the music they listen to right down to the latest piecing or tattoo. They are all statements that identify the personality of the beholder. Embrace these characteristics and let them shine through when you come to do the shoot.

Environmental shots outside of the studio are often best when taking pictures of Teens as you can really capture their world, urban, homely or sat pondering like the young girl pictured above.