Portrait photography: 10 tips for beginners

Portrait photography is becoming increasingly popular, whether selfies or a planned series, people are the most exciting model for many photographers. We have put together 10 tips for you below, which will help you as a beginner with portrait photography.

10 tips for portrait photography beginners

If portrait photography is new territory for you, these tips will help you get good results.

• Think about a suitable background in advance. This influences the effect of your portrait and should suit your photo model and the occasion.
• Take a picture of your model at the right angle. If the photo should reflect strength, it is advisable to take pictures diagonally from below. The perspective from obliquely above seems thoughtful and vulnerable. Photographs on the side also give a more thought-provoking and profound impression.
• Skilfully use light and shadow. In natural light, early morning or late evening is an advantage since the sun is low in the sky at these times. This flatters your photo model. Indirect light prevents unwanted shadows on the face. Even a snapshot against the sun creates a beautiful play of light.
• Let the person you take a picture decide how you want to be staged. So the photo shoot will be fun for both of you and produce an authentic end result.
• Talk to your counterpart while taking pictures. This is how you create a relaxed atmosphere that will benefit your portrait photo.
• Bring movement into the picture. Ask your model not to wait for the release button. Activity reduces tension and allows you to capture a more natural facial expression.
• Think about the cheapest frame for your portrait. With a close-up, only your photo model is in focus. A photo with the person standing in the middle includes the surroundings. You can also bet on the rule of thirds. Here you position your model in the lower left or right third of your image section.
• Deviate from the norm to get surprisingly good pictures. You can also take photos of several people together to take an honest and relaxed portrait photo.
• Let your photo model look into the distance or to the side. This brings variety and can make your portrait a special highlight.
• Use a free image editing program to correct small bumps, adjust the color intensity or make the portrait black and white. This rounds off your photo and you can look forward to your successful portrait photo.

In the next post we have five tips for you on how to cut a good figure in photos.