What are the composition techniques for portrait photography?

Previously we used photo examples to briefly introduce common portrait photography composition methods. Seeing this, you may ask, how to compose a picture to create a satisfactory work? In the composition of portrait photography, we must follow the following composition principles.

Principle 1: Clear the subject of the photo. A good photograph needs to have a clear theme, and portrait photography is no exception. Before we raise the camera and press the shutter, we need to spend some time thinking carefully about one thing, the photo we are about to take, and its theme. What is it? For the themes depicted in portrait photography, we generally record the characters’ instantaneous movements and expressions to express a certain mood, emotion or the character’s inner world, etc.

(Portrait works lacking a clear theme)

(Portrait works with a clear theme)

Principle 2, conciseness. Use various methods to direct the reader's attention to the subject, thereby highlighting the theme of the photo. When we take portraits, in most cases, the characters will become the subjects, which is what we often call the interesting center of a photo. We must try our best to use various techniques to focus the viewer's attention and focus on this interesting center as much as possible. Here, we can further think about one thing, for those things that have nothing to do with the main character. Things, how do we deal with them? In fact, the answer is obvious, we should take various methods to weaken or eliminate their impact on the characters.

(Other characters and background text interfere with the subject)

(Exclude all factors that interfere with the subject)

Principle 3, balance. Balance is another principle for achieving good composition. Mastering balance means arranging shapes, colors, and light and dark areas so that they complement each other and make the photo look balanced. Although the overall picture is relatively balanced, the bright color in the lower left corner of the picture is in sharp contrast with the dark color in the upper right corner. The contrast between light and dark is very strong and looks uncomfortable. This is because the principle of balanced composition is not mastered.

(Complex picture)

(Simple picture)

The principle of balance does not require us to divide all the scenery or background into equal parts. Second, in many cases, an asymmetrical and balanced composition will make the photo more lively and interesting than a symmetrical composition. The main character is not in the center of the picture, but to the right of the center. This kind of asymmetry Balance makes the picture look more lively and interesting.

(Composition that does not follow the principle of balance)

(Asymmetrical balance looks more lively)

Principle 4: Avoid occlusion. In fact, not only portrait photography, but also when shooting other subjects, be careful not to let the subject be covered. Avoid occlusion. When shooting, you should pay attention to the foreground or some background objects not to block the subject.

Sometimes distractions that are close to the subject may be less annoying, but still distract from the subject. This interference mainly refers to certain objects and lines being too close to the subject. In addition, when we are shooting, we must also pay attention to the subject of the portrait not to overlap with the background scenery, or it is best not to block the background scenery. The most common problem here is that a big tree or telephone pole grows on the head of the character. , this is all caused by not paying attention to the occlusion problem.

(The wicker in the foreground blocks the main body of the character)

For common composition methods and rules, do not memorize them by rote or apply them mechanically, but you need to master and apply them flexibly. Only in this way can you receive satisfactory results. When a photographer reaches a certain level, we also encourage breaking through these composition rules and making bold innovations in photographic composition.

Please remember that there are no immutable laws in art!