Basic Portrait Photography

More than any other subject matter, we love to take pictures of people. Even when photographing a scenic vista, everyone wants to get into the picture, and why not? Not only will your photo offer proof that “we were there,” but familiar faces add life and joy to what might someday be rather dull photograph. Remember, in the future, your children and grandchildren will be much more interested in those faces than in the scenery behind them.

Any photograph that features one or more people as subjects can be considered a portrait. It doesn’t matter what they are doing or where they are – the photograph provides a visual record of people in a particular situation on a particular day. The photographer of that portrait obviously wants the best possible results, but unfortunately, many “people pictures” are disappointing. This is usually not because of the person in the photograph, but because the photographer failed to plan for the best possible shot.

The good news is that, with even the most basic camera equipment, great portrait photography is within anyone’s grasp. First, of course, it’s important to understand the three basic guidelines for taking good pictures . To take successful portraits, try some of these additional techniques:

Plan your background. When snapping pictures of people, give more than just little thought to the background to avoid unwanted distractions. If necessary, move the subject to an area where the background is simple, such as a blank wall, a hedge, or a green lawn, or adjust your own vantage point by moving around the subject. You may even pause to physically remove distracting objects from the frame before finally snapping the photograph.

Let the setting reflect character. Another solution to background selection is to use your subject’s existing environment to your advantage. In other words, let the background say something about the person you are photographing. Whether you are aiming for a formal portrait or an informal, “natural” portrait, a familiar setting makes the subject feel at ease while projecting something about his or her character. The background might reflect the person’s occupation, an interesting hobby, an unusual collection, or a quaint home environment, which may result in a very satisfying, personal portrait.

Position your subject carefully. Consider how you will position your subject within the setting as well as within the frame of the photograph. Where will the subject sit or stand in relation to the camera angle and the selected background? How you position your subject can allow an interesting background to add interest to your composition without overpowering your subject.

Use props to enhance the portrait. Props are items that add something to the composition while telling us more about the person in the photograph. Consider a child wearing a feathered dress-up hat or a woman with a vase of fresh flowers. You might include samples of your subject’s needlework or sports equipment or a teddy bear. Let the prop reflect the personality of your subject while creating a more interestingly designed photograph.

Select the best viewpoint. Do not be satisfied with only one shot from just one angle. Move around the subject and get several viewpoints. Use your creativity! Get down on the floor to photograph children at play. Consider getting a general shot of a crowded place from a balcony above. Photograph the same man from below, above, and at his eye level for vastly different outcomes. Various viewpoints (along with lighting) can create limitless possibilities in mood, group dynamics, and photographic style. Experiment with viewpoints that are unusual and interesting – for some surprising results.

Use natural light. Avoid using a flash whenever possible. A direct camera flash flattens and creates pasty white faces. Professionally lit portraits are the exception – lighting is carefully staged from different angles and often supplemented with reflective lighting. Amateurs should use lighting from windows, reflected light (use white poster board), or bounced light from swivel flash attachments, unless using a digital camera, which can often compensate for available light (remember to turn off the auto-flash!). Another good alternative, of course, is outdoor portraiture.

Take outdoor portraits. Although outdoor photography can create some technical problems, portraits taken in an outdoor environment can be extremely appealing. Look for shady backdrops on a bright sunny day (to avoid harsh shadows and squinting) or use a fill flash. Bright, hazy days and overcast days provide even lighting without shadows. Beautiful seasonal colors, interesting textures, colorful outdoor clothing, and naturally playful expressions can all contribute to great outdoor portraiture. Don’t be deterred by poor weather conditions, which can create unusual, even animated portraits. However, take care to protect your camera from moisture or sub-freezing temperatures.

Take full-length portraits. Who says all portraits must be head and shoulders or full face? Sometimes the complete story can be told only by photographing a person full-length, while including a portion of their environment. If the person is in costume or native dress; or if he is milking a cow or selling goods at a market or about to dive into a swimming pool – only a full-length photograph can portray the subject adequately – while simultaneously telling an interesting story.

Take self-portraits. If you own a tripod (essential photographic equipment) you can include yourself in your photograph. Simply attach the camera to the tripod, and frame the photograph, whether it is a full group photo or just yourself. Now focus, set the timer on your camera, and jump into the picture! You’ll want to take several shots – don’t depend on just one. Of course, many “self-portraits” are now snapped with digital cameras or camera phones held at arms’ length – but obviously it takes practice to get a decent shot using this method.

Take several shots – a full roll of film or more. Your chances of acquiring that one special photograph increase with every shot that you take. Consider the fact that each photo featured in a magazine is selected from the equivalent of many rolls of film – all taken of the same subject! Great photography does not just happen – the photographer makes full use of the photographic session, snapping as many quality shots as possible; and thereby leaving nothing to chance.

Be willing to edit out all but the very best photographs. Weed out everything that is dull, expressionless, or an obviously bad shot (eyes closed, head turned away, etc.). Now, discard all that are poorly composed, out of focus, and badly exposed. Select from your remaining shots only those that provide a good overall view, or that have the most interesting angle, expression, or details. You will probably end up with just one or two shots that you really like. Finally, can these shots be further improved by cropping or possibly framing at a slightly different angle?

A final note: If you can’t bring yourself to throw out those less than terrific shots, pack them away in a box. Save only your very best photographs for framing or the family album. Remember, even the best photographs can go unnoticed when submerged in a flood of poor snapshots. Instead, you can ensure that your friends and family will look forward to seeing your pictures, and that the people you have photographed will be genuinely pleased with their portraits.
 

~Sandra Bynum

An avid photographer since childhood, Sandra Bynum set up her own darkroom at age 14. She earned her BA in Fine Arts, and continued to hone her photographic skills while homeschooling her children. Ms. Bynum is a freelance writer who recently opened a fine arts teaching center.