Digital Photography Tips - Five Tips to Getting The Best Portrait Shot

By Dan Feildman

Portrait photography is the most popular form of photography. Most people who know how to point and shoot a camera are all portrait photographers. However, there are of course, differences in its quality. Professional portrait photographers have certain characteristics that let them get the best out of their subjects. A portrait photo does not only mean a person's image. In a way, it shows character and emotion. If you want to start shooting portraits and don't know the essential elements, fear no more because these five tips can give you a head start.

Rapport: The first thing you need to do is build rapport with your subject. Having an interest in your models is definitely a plus. If you show an interest in your subject a comfort level is reached that allows them to be more natural in front of the camera. When the shutter is clicked your chances of getting amazing photos is increased tenfold.

Personality: Great photos show the personality of the subject. The only way you can bring out your subjects personality is if you know the subject and what makes them tick. Understand who they are before you begin taking their photograph. Another option is to take photos of unexpected moments when there are no studied poses; this is a sure way to capture elements of their personality.

Lighting: Most photographers prefer natural lighting. However since you want to emphasize the person's face and character, you should always consider using artificial lighting. Be sure that light is evenly distributed, or that it satisfies the angle that you want to emphasize. Lighting can have a great effect especially if your they want a serious picture.

Background: Most portraits use lighter backgrounds to emphasize the subject. However, it is also important to use the environment to add more character to your subject. Please be careful when using the environment that the color of your background and what your subject is wearing do not clash. Sometimes backgrounds become the flaw of a picture because the photographer didn't properly plan.

Plan: Be sure that you are ready before you go to the photo shoot. Not only that you have all the equipment that you need, but be sure that you can handle the job properly. Prepare all the necessary materials and be sure to bring a good topic for conversation so that your subject can relax while you are shooting.

Portrait photography is a really enjoyable hobby. If you're serious in making it your career, you can be sure that it can be lucrative as long as you perfect your craft. However, remember that you should have the heart for the job because portrait photography's first requirement is interest.

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