Creative skills of portrait photography

Lead: This time we are going to talk about the creative skills of portrait painting. This is the first step in shooting. You need to know what you want to shoot first. Let's take a closer look!

Cuba night

In our daily work, it often happens that we don't design too many specific postures, but get more inspiration from the atmosphere, scenes and accessories. The shoot was taken in a cafe. We have a chance to use it as a shooting venue before it opens. Our model (from Cuba) is wearing a red skirt and sandals. We also found a bottle of rum and cigarettes behind the counter? Perfect combination.

This time we didn't give guidance on posing, but decided on a theme:? Imagine you are in Havana. In the morning, the sun shines through the window of the salsa bar. You are one of the customers who have not left yet. The chair is on the table. After dancing all night, you are resting. ?

Our model is sitting on the floor with her back gently leaning against the counter? With a cigarette between your fingers, the bottle of Havana Club stands in front of you. Sandals were casually put aside. In a word, the pose of the model is very casual and real. So we just need to adjust it a little.

The first is to adjust your eyes. Because looking directly at the viewer will make the model look strong and amiable, we gave instructions to let the model look at an object far away from the photo. This will give the impression that our model is observing the last couple of dancers. Because the viewer can't see what happens outside the photo, it also increases the tension of the photo and makes the photo more attractive.

Because there is a dark paneled wall on the left side of the photo, which further blocks the light on the right side of the model, we spread out a white tablecloth to increase the brightness. In this way, this side is portrayed more. Although there is only natural light in this shooting, we can also enhance the authenticity of the posture. In addition, the backlight also brings beautiful light edges to the model's arms and legs, and the diagonal line formed by the light edges guides the audience's line of sight from the model's face to the right through the whole photo. The change of brightness (dark left and bright right) also enhances the guiding force of this line of sight.

Other adjustments, such as clothes, we regularly put skirts between the legs of the model to avoid unnecessary peeping, and we also adjusted the feet of the model? At first, the model just had her feet up and her feet on the ground.

The photo shows a young girl sitting on the floor with her back relaxed against the counter. This time, we didn't give a specific pose description. We only specified the subject keyword? Havana, Salsa, Cuba? Then our model chose this pose herself. Only when the line of sight on the right side of the photo is determined by us can we make the photo more attractive. This posture goes through the head? Knee? The connection of feet forms a perfect diagonal. The bright edges on the arms and legs attract the audience's eyes to follow them and guide them through the photos. In addition, the line of sight and brightness changes of the model also enhance this point? Move right? .

wide-angle

This shoot is in a very special place? Reminiscent of the infirmary? In the scene. We also see lines with perspective effect formed at the joints of tiles, and we want to integrate these lines into the photos. Because we know that short focal length will especially enhance this effect, we choose the lens with the shortest focal length and then invite the model to the scene. The room was pure white, so we chose a red dress with strong contrast.

Posture description. We only gave the model a keyword? Stretching posture. It is important for us to stretch our limbs very much and have a deep posture in space. Our models should extend their hands, feet or other parts of their bodies to us as much as possible. The tight and huddled posture is not suitable for this kind of photo. After a brief explanation, we asked the model to pose creatively.

For these poses, it is important for you to further understand and use the characteristics of your wide-angle lens: near objects and their distance from distant objects will be magnified. Therefore, it is very important to shorten the distance between the camera and the model as much as possible.

What if your shooting location? Just like our sample photos? Lines with obvious characteristics can enhance the feeling of this stretching posture, then you can integrate the posture accordingly. For example, we can use the seams of tiles as the line of sight to enhance the perspective effect.

Using a short focal length will make the scale of the model very exaggerated. This feeling is enhanced by the open posture. There are three main lines running through the model's body in the photo. The lines with strong perspective in the scene enhance the feeling of wide photos.

wood elf

Posture plays a very important role in expressing emotions. Only the change of body language can produce completely different photo themes. The problem is how to guide your model flexibly.

What is the basic shooting concept in our sample photos? The elf and her dark side? . Our model will dress up as an elf and do something that a real elf will never do? Prey! Interestingly, this idea comes from the model, so we don't need much guidance in performance, expression and posture. We found a suitable shooting location with the model, and then listed a performance outline according to our ideas, in which our model can play freely.

Here, a short story can also help us. This short story gives a framework for the plot and the pose of the model. In the sample photo on this page, the main idea of the plot is:? Imagine that you are an elf and have just done an incredible thing? Hunting, catching prey, is to avoid pursuers. ? Our model is on display? Seeking protection? , posing for a compact, huddled posture, eyes looked at the forest warily.

The second photo is based on a different story. The story this time is like this. You were caught red-handed and stood there with an innocent face. What did you say?/Sorry? Me? I don't know anything, how could such a thing happen! ? The pose of the model here is also very natural. The legs turned slightly to one side, and the low, innocent eyes crossed the shoulders and left a kind of? I didn't do anything. Impression? Although the prey is still in hand.

When practicing such a story, it should be noted that posture can really emphasize the theme of the photo. It would be a pity if the beautiful venue and excellent props did not achieve good results because of improper posture.

Although the scene is the same and the accessories are the same, this example shows a completely different photo. Our elves stood there in a little panic, with prey in their hands. Not aggressive at all? What is shown here is more of a feeling of being at a loss and innocence. The low gaze further emphasizes this point, and the viewer's gaze is along the diagonal line of the photo imagination.

Naughty boy

Everyone has seen interesting pictures of jumpers. Our customers often like to shoot this popular subject, but it is often difficult to practice. Because you can't simply jump up, there are some aspects to pay attention to in doing this lively and explosive posture to a certain extent.

It is important that the model should be ready to jump truly and correctly. Many times the photographer needs to give some encouragement to the model, because a little shy jumping can't bring the expected effect. Photographers should have the courage to show the whole process to models? This will make the atmosphere more relaxed.

When jumping, pay attention to the model's arms and legs moving together. In addition, leg bending and prancing are more dynamic than rigid jumping. The limbs of the model should move together to truly express their love for life. In this sense, the open posture with arms and legs pointing in different directions is much better than the tight leg bending posture.

One difficulty in practicing all these skills is that the more details you tell the model about the arm posture and leg posture, the more he will concentrate on performing all the details accurately when jumping; But in most cases, the model will lose that kind of casual and happy facial expression, which is necessary for the perfect realization of the photo concept. Tell the model a short story or offer it to him? At least fictional? Start a heartbeat? Motivation here is also a very useful method.

By the way, there is another hint: jumping is very laborious. Use the model as a signal to let him know when to jump, so that you can accurately record the right time.

And facial expressions must not be forgotten. Models are often absorbed in posture, and facial expressions reflect more concentration than happiness and enthusiasm.

Don't push the model to jump. Only when jumping really makes the model feel happy and happy will the photos look more special.

Jumping is a very popular theme for both young people and adults. When everyone is excited, you must pay attention to the jumping skills. The jumping posture should have a sense of lines. Although in the process of exercise, the limbs still have to show a certain order.

Ideally, please try to shoot at the turning point. This point in time is the so-called floating in the air, when the body is almost stationary. If you really want to freeze the motion of the model, it is necessary to use a flash with a very short flash duration in order not to cause motion blur.

Listen to the instructions!

Home accessories are a very popular theme of free posing. Can models perform with these accessories? Whether it's chairs, windows, sofas, or curtains like this sample photo. In this case, most models can pose very realistically, which is normal for models with these objects? Associating? We'll know in the middle.

This series of photos was taken in a sunny living room. Our model stood by the window and was instructed to gently open the curtain by hand and look out of the window. Because it is very important for us to show the model's face, we placed an order with the model. After hearing the order, the model turned her head to us and looked at the camera. Models should give people such an impression? Look out the window? When I'm distracted. You will find that if the model does not turn her head after hearing the instructions, but looks directly at the camera, after a period of time, her eyes will look dull and unnatural.

When posing, we should pay attention to the basic posture of the model's arms and head, first of all, it should be appropriate. In the picture on this page, the model should raise her right hand and stroke the curtain. Put your left hand on your hip. When shooting, we let the model's left hand out of the photo and let this slightly bent arm form a boundary on the right side of the photo. In this way, we made this pose open to the viewer, and the model turned her head to us after hearing our instructions. As a result, I got a nervous, alert and lively look.

In the photo below, we reversed the pose, and the model raised her arm to face the audience, so the pose was relatively close to the audience. After hearing the instructions, the model turned her head and crossed the arms and shoulders facing the audience, leaving an inquiring impression on the audience. Here it is. Fresh decoration? Eyes are much more effective than staring at the camera all the time. A little fluttering hair in front of the model's right eye also shows the authenticity of the scene.

In this posture, we should pay special attention to the leg posture of the model, so that the model can have a stable standing state, so that the rotation of the head can be more stable. In addition, physical tension and neck stretching are also important. If no matter what you do, there will be an ugly neckline, then simply put a lock of hair in front to cover it (if the model has long hair).

Please note that the model should have a stable standing posture so that she won't lose her balance when she turns to look at the camera. When you turn your head, there will be ugly wrinkles on your neck, which can be covered with your hair.

doorframe

The empty room is the perfect shooting scene. Especially one as prominent as this room? An old-fashioned tiled fireplace and a floor covered with black and white tiles have beautiful perspective lines? Vacant room. Our model spontaneously stood in the door frame, which proved to be the best position in the end.

In clothing, we pay attention to let the dark and light colors of the floor extend to the model. We ask the model to wear black underwear, so that the contrast between the clothing and the light skin of the model can be clearly shown. The lines of the floor play a role in guiding the line of sight. In our example, the model has a keen sense of the best position. Hands on doorframes of different heights, the model poses as we see in the picture on the right. However, this is not enough for nervous posture, because the model's body as a whole is still too relaxed. In addition, the parallel legs are not beautiful enough, because the legs are a little thick, which visually increases the width of the hips.

We adopted this spontaneous attitude and made some adjustments. Besides, we hire models? As you can see in the photo on the right page? Bend your left leg slightly and lean to the right. In this way, beautiful convergence lines are obtained, which makes the model's thighs look thinner. The model's hips tilted to the right, which caused a slight twist and made her waist thinner. In addition, the upward opening arm visually increases the width of the upper body. This pose emphasizes the most important part of an aesthetic figure, making the body look like a beautiful, swaying body? s？ .

When posing in this position, let the model experience which side is easier to twist. You will find that when these movements are natural, the model can inject more connotation into the pose, but when the movements are unnatural and there is resistance, the shooting will be harder and you will spend more effort.

If shooting in a low position, you can use the patterns on the floor to guide your eyes. In addition, the model will appear taller and more prominent.

The posture in this photo is much better. The model's left knee is buckled inward and her hips are tilted to the right, which makes her body show a beautiful S-shape. The left arm of the model is located on the extension line of the upper body, and the right forearm of the model is located on the extension line of the left calf of the model. The low position of the camera makes the floor stand out. Black and white tiles form beautiful lines leading to models. Besides, the model looks taller. The use of wide-angle lenses also emphasizes width and floor.

Occipital whisper

The so-called hotel photography is very popular, perhaps because it can escape from the environment in one's home, or because different shooting locations can bring new life to photos. Therefore, the hotel room has always been an exciting shooting scene, and it also provides many opportunities for free posing. The idea of getting your model involved in the filming from the beginning. This makes it easier for the model to participate in the shooting process accurately, and can further encourage the model to realize this shooting concept well.

We chose the bed as the shooting scene of this series. We didn't give any explanation to the model this time. We completely let the models associate themselves. The only instruction we give is to keep the model at a certain distance from the existing light source so as not to have to extend the exposure time.

Because the model is completely free to pose in such a scene, it is very important to choose the right angle, the right shooting range and the right focus at the most suitable time. So you'd better control the camera with your eyes closed, because it is difficult for you to control the movements and behaviors of the model.

This kind of shooting, it is best to let the model pose freely first, and then observe. If this action seems to meet your requirements, please ask the model to repeat it several times so that you can capture enough pictures.

Please consciously give the model more time, so that the model can focus on posture and posture development. Too much interference will stop the development of posture, and then you won't get these photos presented in front of you. If you must give some corrective instructions, please speak softly. In this way, you can correct those small details to some extent, such as the position of your finger or the direction of your gaze, without interrupting the posing process.

By choosing the viewing angle and camera angle, you can greatly influence the photo effect. Just the diagonal line generated by the camera rotation can make the photo more attractive.

Animal companion

When it is necessary to photograph people and their pets, only animal companions can create some unexpected and interesting moments. Our partner (the horse in this example photo) first determined some preconditions for posing. The pose of a model can basically only be sitting or standing. Because we want to keep some movements in the photo, and the model is riding controller, her posture on the saddle is beautiful, so we decided to take a photo of the model riding, sitting.

Because the posture of the model on horseback is full of tension, we don't have to worry about taking a very lazy posture. The difficulty in taking this kind of photo lies in another aspect: the horse itself is a thinking creature, unlike beds, tables and chairs, which are stationary. Therefore, whether you can capture the moment when both models look good depends on your speed and proficiency in camera operation.

Due to the limited movement on horseback, our models are forced to show different photo effects only through some small posture changes. What matters is the tilt of the head, the distance between the model's head and the horse, and the gentle, sensitive, straight or proud posture.

We only gave few instructions. The most important thing is to keep the animals as quiet as possible and let the camera catch the horse's eyes when shooting. In addition, the model is completely free to decide which posture to take. She has full freedom to guide horses, so she can perform freely. You can see the results in these two pages of photos.

dance

When it comes to posing freely, dancing photos are one of the most demanding topics. But the advantage is that dance is a series of imitative movements, and models can learn, analyze and repeat it purposefully. So the photographer can be fully prepared for this kind of shooting and choose the right posture in this series of actions.

In addition, if you know the characteristics and details of the dance you want to shoot as a photographer, you will have a greater advantage. Ideally, you can dance these dances by yourself, such as some popular dances, such as standard Latin, salsa and Argentine tango. In this way, you can know the most expressive movements in the dance, know the specific movement process, and press the shutter button when the model is doing the movements.

Exotic dances are attractive in themselves, because the movements of these dances are often unknown. So, you can do this: arrange some time to watch the video of this dance with the model before shooting. Models can show you which movements or body postures are the most expressive and which movements or body postures are the most special for this dance. These are the actions that you need to freeze in the photo afterwards. When shooting, you can ask the model to repeat some actions many times to get the most expressive photos.

It is important that you analyze the photos taken by models. The picture of dancing depends on the perfect posture of limbs. Even if other elements such as body posture and fluttering clothes are perfect, the posture of fingers and head can often determine the success or failure of a photo.

Make necessary technical adjustments when the model is relaxed. You can judge the lighting effect without the model's exertion. When you set the lighting, pay attention to a delicate lighting edge to illuminate the model's back. This can make the model's whole body present an attractive shape, and it can also emphasize that the upper body is wider in contrast with the narrow buttocks.

If you want to show more movement in the photo, please keep turning the camera and try different shooting angles. Diagonal photos tend to work better, so tilting the camera is worth a try.

This photo, although the head posture is good, but the skirt flutters perfectly? However, the rotation of the upper body is a bit too much, which leads to a bad angle of the model's left arm, which seems a bit abrupt.

This dance action is captured perfectly, and the posture of arms and fingers completely conforms to the model's imagination.

A light conversation.

Communication is the most important means of taking pictures, just like in daily life. Although the photo was recorded by a camera, the content in the photo is determined by the description of the plot frame, the guidance and adjustment of the posture. It is important to have a creative but unconstrained atmosphere in the process of shooting. A good working atmosphere will almost certainly take good photos.

This set of photos in our example shows a model who was photographed for the first time. The atmosphere at the shooting scene is very relaxed, but the model still lacks confidence in front of the camera, as can be seen in the left picture. After all, she is not used to standing in the spotlight. When she is completely in the focus of others' attention, it is difficult to relax and perform naturally. So, in this case, please be careful about the feelings of the model. Don't ask too much of the model, give her time to adapt to the environment.

In this collaboration, we had a relaxed conversation with the model at the beginning of shooting, and we told her that we wanted to conduct a lighting test. The implication of this sentence is that she can relax when she is not ready to pose. When we pressed the shutter button twice, everything was actually set. However, we continued to chat with her, putting the camera in front of our nose and pressing the shutter frequently.

The model always thought she was doing a lighting test, so she showed a completely relaxed state. You can see the picture in the middle. After we pressed the shutter several times, we took some good photos from our perspective. We showed these photos to the model to dispel her fear of shooting. Now we can really start shooting.

This practice is very suitable for first-time shooting models. This can make the model look relaxed and confident from the beginning and lay the foundation for taking good photos. In the picture on the right, you can't see signs of nervousness and reserve. There is a young lady in the picture who communicates with the audience confidently and directly.