Any photograph that features a person as the main subject can be considered a portrait. It doesn’t matter what they are doing or where they are—the photograph becomes a visual record of those people on a particular day, in a particular situation. As the person taking the picture, you of course want the best possible results. So why are so many portraits disappointing? It’s usually not because of the subject—it’s because you didn’t plan to capture the best possible shot.

Choose Your Setting

Choose a background setting for your portrait that reflects the personality of the person you’re photographing. Whether you’re aiming for a formal, posed portrait or an informal, natural portrait, familiar settings put your subject at ease making it easier to project their individuality. You might consider setting the portrait against a background that relates to your subject’s occupation, interests, hobbies, interesting or unusual collections or their favorite room in their home.

Plan Your Background

When you’re taking photos of people, pay more than just a little thought to the background of the photo. If the background is too busy, it will distract from the main subject. Consider repositioning your subject to a simpler background like a blank wall or clear patch of lawn or adjust your own vantage point by moving around your subject. Take the time to physically remove any objects that distract your eye when you frame the shot before you take it.

Position Your Subject Carefully

Where your subject is within the setting you’ve chosen is as important as where they show up in the frame of the photograph. In other words, where will the subject sit or stand in relation to the background and your camera angle? How you position your subject allows you to play with the relationship with the background and provides you with an opportunity to add more visual interest to the overall composition of the photo without distracting from the main subject.