1. Focus on the eyes for portrait photography
The eyes are the first place most people look when viewing a portrait, so make sure they’re in focus. Also, keep the eyes in the upper third of the image for a more compelling composition. In the photo pictured on the right, the eyes are in focus and are complemented by the model’s red hair and green shirt.
2. Use indirect lighting
When photographing indoors, try using experimenting with indirect window lighting. The light is soft and wraps around faces, providing dimension and depth in the photograph. Best of all? It’s warm and comfy inside, perfect for capturing everyday moments!
3. Encourage interaction in your photos
Take advantage of the relationships between people in your photographs for a more interesting and authentic image. This way, it will be more fun for the subject and the photographer during the photo session! Pictured on the right is a couple having fun while rollerblading. Encouraging interactions like this can create new opportunities for photos that you wouldn’t have had before.
4. Add some flair to your photos
Lens flare can be avoided by positioning your lens away from the sun and using a lens hood, but you can also use lens flare for a modern, creative effect. In the picture on the left, the photographer photographed the subject while close to the ground and angled the camera upwards towards the sun.
5. Foggy weather? No problem
Have you ever planned a photo session on a bright and sunny day just to have the fog roll in on you when you’re about to start taking pictures? Don’t let this discourage you the next time it happens! The light is often still bright enough for photos but is softer and more diffused, which is great for nice and even lighting on faces.
6. Get portrait lighting in your own home
Investing in a Home Studio Lighting Kit from Erin Manning can be a great way to help you take better photos. This “studio in a box” comes with daylight balanced fluorescent lamps that can give you studio lighting for your photo sessions in your own home. This is also a great way to make photo sessions more fun for you and for your kids!
