If you're taking portraits of friends, family or customers you want to photograph them in the most flattering way. Here are a few tips to help you take beautiful images of your subjects!
Harsh, straight-on light can emphasize physical imperfections such as wrinkles or acne. A great way to minimize any surface flaws is to use a softbox. Softboxes decrease the intensity of a continuous or strobe light, creating a smooth, diffused light perfect for portraits. Particularly if you wish to get rid of unflattering shadows below the eyes, a softbox is a must buy. It produces even highlights and has a very natural look.
Shoot from Above
Shoot from above and have your subject look up at you. This angle opens up the subject's eyes and is extremely slimming. By shooting from above you also place emphasis on the subject's face. if you shoot with a small depth of field (i.e. 2.8), and blur everything but a person's face, you can create a very striking and focused image.
Bounce Flash
Similar to soft boxes, bouncing a flash softens your light source. If you are only working with a flash, this technique will not work outdoors, since you need to bounce the flash off a wall or ceiling. You can direct the flash so it will fire facing away from your subject. It is best if the surface that you bounce the light from is white, since a colored surface will tint your image. When bouncing your flash, have fun experimenting and seeing the different results you get w
hen you point the flash in various directions!
hen you point the flash in various directions!If you are working with a flash and an umbrella, you can bounce your flash both indoors and outdoors. Using an umbrella will produce an even softer look than bouncing a flash off a wall or ceiling and give you more control over your light source. Since it's collapsible, you can carry it with you wherever you shoot with little hassle.
Talking with your Subject
Many people feel very uncomfortable having their photograph taken. Your job as a photographer is to relax them and ensure them they are in good hands. It's great to ask people what physical characteristic they like best about themselves. Most people will immediately start telling you what they don't like, which lets you know what not to focus on when photographing. Also, it's always important to engage the subject as you photograph him/her. By talking to them, asking questions and making them laugh you can take a genuine and unique photograph that highlights your subject's personality.
