Photography Props Tree
Portraiture: Photographers Tips For Better Portrait Photography
Like any other aspect of photography, a key element of good portrait photography and what makes a good portrait photographer, is an eye for detail. The photographer needs to be cognisant of the elements that will come together in the arrangement of his composition.
Understanding that it is the detail that determines the excellence of the composition, the professional photographer will be on the lookout for a myriad of potential problems and issues that may have a detrimental impact on his composition. They will also be aware of props that can help to convey additional meaning for the viewer, helping to better describe the portraiture subject and enhance the composition.
It is important to remember that portraiture is generally for more formal occasions and that formal portraits are likely to attract the closest scrutiny by existing and future clients, friends and associates, employees, visitors. Therefore, taking care of the little details that may make or break a portrait is even more important.
A professional photographer is reliant on good portrait taking skills to build his reputation so missing such things as trees, lamp stands, lighting towers TV antennae, ( the list goes on) seemingly emerging from the subjects head is unforgiveable. More subtle detail such as stains on clothing, crumpled collars, poorly tied ties will also undo good work.
I was once asked to reprint an amateur family group snap, set in beautiful parkland, onto a large canvass as a birthday present. Because of the cost involved, I felt obliged to point out to the client that the photographer had managed to compose the shot in such a way that trees appeared to be growing out of the heads of two of the group.
In this instance, as attractive as the photograph appeared, an alternate setting without the background of trees or separation from the trees would have improved the photo composition. The moral of the story is to be aware of what external features might interfere, dominate or influence the composition.
Sometimes the studio setting might be a better option. Shooting portraits in natural settings can be attractive but one needs to way up whether the cost justifies the means. Adding extra lighting and technical props may be more difficult and the ability to set up a portrait in the studio, even before the subject arrives for the shoot can be a better utilization of everybody’s time.
Portrait photography is much more than a head on close-up. Good photo composition requires conveyance of more information about the subject or establishing a mood for the photograph consistent with the objective of the shot.
Angle to the camera, use of props, special focus and lighting options, reduction in depth of field all assist the photographer to create mood and feel thus achieving a uniqueness about the subject to be photographed.
There are two kinds of props to consider: those that might complement the person being portrayed, say for example, a baseball player shouldering his bat, tells us more about the subject than the uniform alone that he might be wearing; technical props such as out of frame white umbrellas that are used to reflect indirect light onto a subject removing harsh shadows without blowing out the shot (over exposure). Judicious use of both kinds of props serves to enhance the image being captured.
Portrait photography requires a different approach than shooting landscapes, for example. With portrait photography, the photographer wants to fill the image with as much of the subject as is possible.
By making the eyes the focal point of the subject, those who come to view the portrait are drawn to the eyes and a bond is formed between the subject and the viewer.
With the reduced depth of field that portraiture offers, features outside the focus point of the eyes will blur slightly, encouraging the viewer to focus on that which is in focus thus enhancing this relationship.
Most digital cameras have pre-selection portrait settings and if you are relatively new to portrait photography, it is a good idea to opt for these portraiture settings. The depth of field is generally shortened with these settings so it is necessary to ensure that descriptive props remain in focus together with subject.
The digital camera is configured to capture more detail through the use of slower shutter speeds so be aware of this and make sure that the outcome will produce a complimentary picture of the subject.
Applying a little make up to hide skin blemishes, arranging the fall of clothing to flatter the person being photographed, adding out of frame lighting to remove shadows from the face are necessary details that can significantly enhance the portrait.
About the Author
I’ve walked this earth for the last 56 years and started taking pics as a kid on a “Box Brownie” before migrating to a Kodak Instamatic 110. I moved up to 35mm with a Minolta 7 Series II in 1976 and eventually made it to SLR via the Canon T70 and some decent Tamron Telephoto and wide angle lenses in 1983. I recently moved into digital photography and just love the instant immediacy and myriad options that the new technology brings. I specialize in landscape photography. Living in New Zealand (Godzone), I am blessed with many spectacular photo opportunities. These days my camera is almost always close at hand and I have been rewarded with some awesome results. I have twice been the recipient of the Editor’s Choice Bronze Award from the International Library of Photography and have been involved for the last 10 years in my church video team where my responsibilities include cameraman, director, team manager. A foray onto the Internet a couple of years ago led to the establishment of my first photography website (since sold) and I have a string of similar projects in train including a photography store-front, www.photographyglobal.com ,a photograpers home based business opportunity, www.sn.im/photowealthsystem and several articles hosted here.
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