Improving Portrait Photography

[cagg1120]

Being a long time portrait photographer, I was interested in sharing as well as hearing others tips for taking stunning portraits. Over at my blog Photography Tip World, I've done a few articles on the topic, such as this one: Ten Tips to Help Make Your Portraits Extraordinary

I for one find that getting closer, looking for candids, and finding great backgrounds really help add value to portrait photographs.

What other tips help you capture better portraits? Always looking for inspiration and good articles so please leave a comment.

Some other good articles on taking better portraits:
10 Ways to Take Stunning Portraits
How to Take Excellent Portrait Photos | Webdesigner Depot

[i speak in math]

Originally Posted by cagg1120

Being a long time portrait photographer, I was interested in sharing as well as hearing others tips for taking stunning portraits. Over at my blog Photography Tip World, I've done a few articles on the topic, such as this one: Ten Tips to Help Make Your Portraits Extraordinary

I for one find that getting closer, looking for candids, and finding great backgrounds really help add value to portrait photographs.

What other tips help you capture better portraits? Always looking for inspiration and good articles so please leave a comment.

Some other good articles on taking better portraits:
10 Ways to Take Stunning Portraits
How to Take Excellent Portrait Photos | Webdesigner Depot

I prefer to make portraits rather than rely on chance to just capture them

For me, vision and lighting are key

You have to know the person; their personality, the shape of their face, subtle expressions. Why am I portraying them in this way? What does the body position and facial expression say about them? Have I chosen a lighting scheme that compliments their looks? What does the angle from which I am shooting lend to the image?

[cagg1120]

Thats really a good point, because its emotion that allows a regular snapshot become into a powerful visual statement.

[ishafizan]

hi,
would likelove to know your thoughts on criteria of a good B&W portrait.
if i convert to B&W using a software, eg Picasa, how do i know that it's good? are there any areas that i could focus or pay attention to?

tx

[cagg1120]

Hello,

I although I am not a black and white photographer nor do I specialize in it, I'll give you my two cents worth:

Black and white photography is about framing captivating compositions that encompass emotions. Because of a lack of color, its all about the contrasts in the image. If you think there are a lot of strong contrasts in the photograph and the image captures something that would seem significant to a viewer then go for it. Its all about telling a story. If this is a portrait (which based on the category this post is in, I must assume so), look for vivid details, focus on the eyes, and get close: this helps capture emotion with just the person. If you want to catch one's reaction to their environment, then take a step back and display poses that are characteristic to what you're trying to convey. <-----Just a few tips

But for after the shot is processed I would suggest a few things. I am not familiar with Picasa, but with the programs I use you there are black and white filters. In my best black and white image (attached below), I experimented with filters that captured the best details and biggest contrasts, as I think you should do too. Hope this helps.



Best,
Chase Guttman
Photography Tip World