Portraits

{Taking photos of people can be intimidating - both for the photographer and the person being photographed! So I thought I'd give you some of my favourite portrait tips learnt from various photographers over the past!}

1. | Keep it simple. 

The more complex your background is, the harder it is to focus on the subject. Lighting applies here, too - use natural light where possible, and if you do use artificial light, keep it simple and as few lights as possible.

2. | Fill the frame

This doesn't necessarily mean taking up the entire photo with a person's face, but definitely try and keep the extra space around your subject minimal, unless it's a far-off shot you're going for. If you want space around your subject, try shooting on a third (see above photo) to create balance.

3. | Try different angles.

Don't always stick to the same predictable photo angles! Break up your usual habits and take turns shooting in landscape, portrait, slightly below the eye line, slightly above the eye line, etc. There's no limits to creativity here!

4. | Use catchlights

A "catchlight" is simply the highlight of a light source reflected off the surface of the eye. This highlight adds depth and dimension to the eye, and gives the eyes life in a portrait. See the catchlights in the photo below? If you're finding that there aren't any catchlights because of the lighting, you can take a piece of white paper and ask the subject to hold it below their face (out of sight, of course!).

5. | Relax :)

If you're stressing out, chances are that your subject is going to be stressed, too! Don't try and force a photo - the best smiles are always the most natural ones. Try and make the person you're photographing feel comfortable in front of the camera; if it's a child, then ask them to look through the lens and see the picture reflecting back at them - anything to distract them from the fact that you are actually taking a photo of them! As soon as they're not afraid of the camera, half your battle is won already. 

I really hope you guys enjoyed this post! Do you have any tips for portrait photography? Feel free to share them below in the comments section!