Top 20 tricks to make a great portrait

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For a picture to be a terrific portrait, the image must last and bring to life fond memories of days gone by. Before you are set out to make a great photograph, it becomes imperative to know the elements that will promise an excellent display. A good portrait is one that captures the soul of the subject, its depth and character in totality, thereby bringing to the eye a third dimension to envelope the observer. Many aspects go into the making of a fine portrait photograph. Our staff has noted 20 tricks to assist you in making a great portrait that will ultimately give you the effect desired.

The Human Element

The science of photography becomes art only when the photographer digs lightly into the a little imagination. A widely accepted fact is that while cameras merely capture an image, the photographer is the one who truly creates art. The trick to making a great portrait is to understand what you are going to shoot. Understand the subject’s mood, expressions, or purpose and bring to light the best aspects of the object of interest.

Choice of Lens

Technically speaking there is no “portrait lens”; however, the right choice of lens can compliment your portrait. Everything depends on the location and position of the subject you wish to photograph. While your lens may come in many selections, it will not change the perspective. The type of lens will only determine if your frame is tight or loose. Lens for portraits can start from 50 mm (if subject is in sitting position) to 300 mm (when you want to shoot just head and shoulders from fifteen feet away).

Move Around

It is important that you view the lens from various distances from the subject you are planning to photograph. You will notice from our example, the distance of the camera changes the nose and it will get larger, while as you step away the ears start to get smaller. When you get far away, you may notice that the face flattens out. Truth is there is no “perfect distance” for the ideal portrait so you may want to experiment with various distances until you reach the right look and feel for your image.

Experimenting With Light

With use of a few primary lighting effects, you too can make near-to-perfect portrait. The key light (the main light for the subject), the fill light (used to fill shadows on the face), and the hair light (used to distinguishing the subject from the background). If you play around with the lighting, you will notice that you can create a variety of moods for the portrait.

Contrasting Background

A contrasting background is the easiest way to create exceptional portraits. While photographing indoors, use a light colored background (one that curves down to the ground for a smooth flow) against a subject that has bright colors. This method works wonders for creating distinction within your picture. Sometimes employing a striking background also makes for some great catchy portraits, but many times this of course left up to the creativity of the photographer.

Eye Direction

Another trick for great portrait development is to have the subject look away from the lens. Turning the eyes away creates an element of novelty and adds a touch of the distinctive to the portrait. The trick here is to make the subject look at something that is beyond the frame with an expression that indicates poignancy, surprise, liveliness, compassion, etc.

The Pose

An exceptional pose can add a sense of distinguished beauty to your photograph and transform it from a mundane portrait piece into a marvel! Making your subject pose while in a curious or unique stance will usually provide for an outstanding portrait.

The Perspective

Most stunning portraits get their form by the photographer getting in touch with a creative point of view. While most photographers shoot from the eye level, you may want to experiment with top angles and perspectives such as from the ground to allow your subject the ability to spring to life. Try these eccentric points of views for and note those that would make exceptional portraits.

Doing it Candid

Even a normal portrait could turn up like a mug shot when shooting subjects who find it difficult to relax in front of the lens! For situations previously mentioned, approach the shot in a candid manner. This method works great, especially for children. Let your subject relax and play around while you focus on framing them when they are in their natural form.

Using a Prop

You can create interesting images by bringing into the frame a prop. Even the craziest of props you can think of can add more interest to the portrait than without it. As a warning, it is also possible that the prop can take away a good deal of the centerpiece of the picture. This would dilute the subject’s importance and cause greater diversion. Like with all great things use moderation when balancing the subjects in the photo to create that perfect image you desire.

Camera Angle

One great trick to make outstanding portraits is to find a method not often chosen. By illustrating your subject in a different fashion, you will begin to understand the internal nature of your work. While it is common practice to hold the camera vertical or horizontal for portrait photography, holding your camera at an angle can create some fascinating shots

Shift the Focus

As many photographers are aware, a sharp focus is the key to great photography. You must however consider breaking the rule if you want to make a truly creative portrait. Focusing on an object just outside the centerpiece, either in the foreground or the background, and leaving the subject blurred will easily create frames that are full of emotion and mood.

Filling the Frame

When you have a great looking subject, have no second thoughts about filling the frame with the center of your focus. To increase dramatic effects try using some make-up and accessorize the subject so to create that distinctive image you desire.

Multiple Exposures

Set up your camera to take a series of shots in succession. The result will be that you are most likely to get a few outstanding shots that contain a vivid expression of the subject.

Surprise Your Subject

It may sound weird, but one cool trick to making a great portrait is to trick your subject! Often subjects relax their pose immediately after they think the shot is finished. Snapping a photo the moment they relax is the ploy! You can also take multiple exposures (pre-shots and post-shots to the ‘original’ shot) while making the subject believe that they are posing for a single exposure. This will provide for wonderful portraits that are both natural and spontaneous.

Eye level

Taking portraits from below the eye level of a human subject can give you great results. However, be careful not catch a picture that is focused up to the nose. If your subject has a larger chin, a more flattering trick is to capture the portrait shot from above the eye line of the subject.

Framing the Photo Differently

Forget the rules of thirds that you swore by in your photography school. Place the subject’s face in an unusual way with liberal use of empty space in the frame to provide a unique depth you could not otherwise achieve.

Environment

If you are out to capture real life portraits try shooting while people who are in their natural environment. This will not only allow you freedom for multiple exposures but will allow for great pictures in the end!

The exposure trick

Do you have to shoot a portrait photo of a subject who has lots of freckles or blemishes on the face? Create smooth and soft tone by a slight setting the camera for an overexposure. Under-exposure techniques can also yield these same dramatic effects.

Experiment

The key word in fresh new imagery is to continually “experiment”’. Keep exploring the depth of your subject, work with various distances, and evaluate your image with varying frame compositions and backgrounds. The trick here is to keep in mind that use of the imagination should be the cornerstone of your work.