Photographing People: Part Two

The Portrait

If you are looking for a photo project that you can start today, then you are one lucky reader :) Because not only are portraits incredibly fun to photograph, but they are also super easy to master. Whether you are shooting your best friend or a complete stranger, portraits bring out the best in other people. And you get to be the one who brings out those distinctive  qualities. 

Now, time for a little inspiration. Miss Annie Leibovitz has some of the most incredible portraits you have ever laid eyes on. She's photographed everyone from Whoopi Goldberg to John Lennon (and that damn Yoko Ono). She's been the eye behind the lens that created controversial photos like Demi Moore naked 'n pregnant and a "racy" Miley Cyrus photo, taken when she was 15 years old. 

The very fact that her career has sparked so many chat-worthy images is a clear indication of two things: B) the power that one image can have and B) you should get to working on your own portraits. 

Here are a few tricks o' the trade to get you started: 

1. Keep it simple, pimple. 

You should try and keep your backgrounds uncluttered. This isn't to say, that your background cannot have texture. Just that your subject should be the main focus of any portrait. 

2. Hold camera at an angle

Most Facebook-babies know this trick already. But in case ya didn't, angles can transform a photo from average to kick-ass. Not only does it add interest, but it adds a nice variety to the traditional horizontal and vertical framing. 

3. Try to create a natural ambiance

That is to say, make your subject feel comfortable. Most subject's personalities do not fit well into the 'posed' look. A good way to avoid this is by photographing your subject on their home turf - office, golf course, beach - wherever they feel most like themselves. 

4. Shoot slightly above or below subject's eye line

Another Facebook-generation tool is playing with the levels of the camera. Positioning the camera slightly above or below is flattering on most people. Just make sure not to go too far below the subject, because that causes double-chin-itis. 

5. Use eye contact
A subject doesn't always have to be looking straight into the camera. In fact, that can get a little dull if it is overused. Try having your subject look off to the side or interact with another person within the frame. 
Practice, practice, practice! Like anything, your portrait photography will drastically improve with each and every frame you produce. :) 

Happy shooting!

-Emily