Portrait photographers on location have the important task of paying attention to the details of their subjects, such as posing, lighting and composition. Amateur on-location portrait photographers often overlook the importance of the surroundings in their backgrounds.
When we fail to examine the surroundings within the frame of our images carefully, we end up with images that are highly distracting. A photograph showing a branch sticking out of a high school senior or bride will not be purchased. It is these distracting elements that reduce a portraitist’s ability to sell their work. It is almost impossible for a portraitist to take a portrait that is beautifully posed, beautifully lit, but unusable because the background composition was ignored.
Posing and lighting play an important role in creating a dynamic portrait. It is often forgotten that background composition requires as much time and consideration as the foreground.It is often forgotten that background composition requires as much time and consideration as the foreground.
Consider these factors when creating the perfect portrait:
- Fill the frame with your subject
Don’t be afraid to zoom in close to a portrait. It’s about the person! You don’t have to capture only the face when you zoom in. The face does not have to be captured when you zoom in. If your subject is sitting on a stool or leaning against a tree, you can capture “tight” close-up shots.
- Keep eyes in the upper third
Zoom in close to a portrait without fear. not deviate from this rule unless you are deliberately creating tension. It is also an exception to this rule when a subject is full-bodied in the bottom third of the frame.
- Use framing to concentrate all attention on your subject
Zoom in close to a portrait without fear.close.Doorways, arches, windows, gazebos are all creative solutions that allow for maximum subject focus and heightened visual interest.
- Create texture
If you’re taking a portrait, don’t be afraid to zoom in close.g background, use it to your advantage! By pulling the subject away from the background and shooting on Aperture priority (f4.0), you will create a small depth of field to blur the backdrop and allow for artistic texture. Your subject will stand out of the background without completely removing all creative interest in the shot.
- Use lines
Brick is the perfect background for a portrait! The lines add creative interest, but they also draw attention to your subject. Keep in mind that any “line” used in a portrait is strongest when it comes outside the frame and leads to the subject.
- Change your angles
Zoom in close to a portrait without fear. matter of moving the camera to another position. To make the best use of perspective, work to change your camera-to-subject angle. Often by moving a little to the right or left, or getting higher or lower, you can completely abolish that distracting tree branch or telephone pole.
You will be guaranteed to sell your portrait creations when you concentrate on background details, make your subject stand out, and invest creative interest in the portrait’s composition.
