Portrait Photography Techniques

Posted by Georgy | 1/16/2010

By William Stevens

People have for long been the cherished subjects of photographers. However, portrait photography isn't just about capturing a face; instead it is about bringing one person or a group of persons come alive in a photo by depicting them in their true form.

A good portrait photograph goes against the norm and is able to capture moods and angles of the subject like never seen before. However, photographs of one person or of whole families are also taken by photographers, and these are normally stuck in family albums.

An appropriate close up bringing the individual's face into focus distinguishes a truly professional portrait photograph from one that has been casually clicked. This is achieved by an old camera trick of making the background a little bit foggy and unclear so that the person's face gets the best possible focus. This job of highlighting the face becomes simpler with a camera having a wide aperture. Whereas, when both the person and the background are equally significant, like an image taken with the person in a scenic landscape, then a standard aperture setting is advisable.

Without ample light to illuminate the face, photographers find it difficult to take the perfect picture. However, by following some common photography guidelines, a decent portrait photograph can be clicked. If the individual is made to sit near a window in a posture in which the sun's rays fall only partially on the face, then the photograph usually ends up looking quite good. A reflective sheet can be used to light up the other side of the individual's face. However, Studio lighting can also be modulated to suit the light needs for high quality portrait photographs, and thus many photographers seek to click such photographs within the confines of studios.

Another significant factor that affects a portrait photograph is the comfort level of the subject when he or she presents for the photograph. Technical wizardry in photography will work only when the person being photographed is comfortable and relaxed, and displays his or her true self before the camera.

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