How to take good photos in portrait photography?

Portrait techniques can range from camera setting to posing. Although many photographers use cameras with good functions when taking pictures of family or friends, it is not always easy to take good pictures. Start with the basics (aperture, shutter speed, lens selection), then continue to focus and compose photos, and then show you how to use natural light and mirrors to significantly improve the effect. Then, we will discuss some of the same techniques, such as the benefits of using flash and other accessories when shooting portraits.

Whether you are taking portraits of your friends or family in the studio or on the streets of local parks, the tips in this article will help you become a top portrait photographer!

0 1. When using exposure compensation to shoot a portrait with light skin color, the common problem is that the portrait is underexposed. You will notice this, especially when you take a positive photo or there is a lot of white in the scene (the bride at the wedding is a good example).

To use aperture priority mode to brighten the subject, you can try exposure compensation.

Try+1 positive exposure compensation to brighten people's faces.

02, the skill of choosing aperture value When shooting portraits, it is best to set a larger aperture (close to f/2.8-f/5.6) to shoot a shallow depth of field, and then make the background behind the subject beautiful and fuzzy (this will make the subject itself more prominent).

Shoot in aperture priority mode to control the depth of field; In this mode, the camera will set the shutter speed to get the correct exposure.

A good portrait lens usually has a larger maximum aperture value (f/ 1.4 to f/2.8), which makes the background more blurred.

03. Exposure setting When setting the shutter speed, please pay attention to the focal length of the lens, otherwise the unstable camera position will become a problem.

Make sure the shutter speed is faster than the effective focal length of the camera. For example, 200mm, please use 1/250 s or faster shutter speed.

This also means that a slower shutter speed can be used when using a wide-angle lens, such as 1/20 s, and the focal length is 18 mm.

04, improve ISO In order to avoid these problems and prevent blurring, we should use a slower shutter speed, which will also help to ensure clear images and avoid camera shake.

In the aperture priority and wide aperture mode, to increase the shutter speed, we only need to increase the ISO (for example, from ISO 100 to ISO 400).

In low light conditions (indoor and outdoor), you are most likely to improve to ISO 800, 1600 or even 3200.

05, lens selection lens selection has a great influence on portrait photos, wide-angle lens (about 18 mm) has a wider angle of view, so there will be more environment around the subject.

A telephoto lens (above 70 mm) has a narrower viewing angle and less surrounding environment in the frame. Remember, the focal length also affects the depth of field.

Compared with telephoto lens, wide-angle lens can capture greater depth of field. This is why telephoto lens is more suitable for portrait lens than wide-angle lens.

06. Don't be lazy in creative composition. Photographers tend to stay away from the theme of photography, thinking that it will be better, but it is not; Instead, zoom in to fill the frame to get a more inspiring picture composition.

But remember: you need to ensure that the focal length is as accurate as possible; In our example, using f/2.8 pictures, we pay attention to the beautiful appearance of the model's face.

07. Using reflector is a quick and economical way to decorate portraits and make them look professional. Use it indoors (near a window) or in an open space to reflect light on the model to fill in unwanted shadows.

Many reflectors are double-sided or have movable devices, so you can get a set of white, silver and gold surfaces. The white surface of the reflector can also be used as a diffuser to soften the brightest direct sunlight.

If your budget is limited, you can use large white cardboard as a reflector and cover it with tin foil to achieve a silver effect.

08. When the camera focuses at a large aperture (especially f/2.8), the depth of field will drop sharply, so it is very important to keep the same focal length all the time. Otherwise, some of the five senses may be out of focus.

In a photo with a "narrow" composition, the emphasis is on the eyes. To focus manually, select single point autofocus (AF) mode.

A good way to set the central autofocus point is to press the shutter button halfway, focus on the eyes/head, and change the position of the subject (so that it is no longer in the center of the picture) until the button is fully pressed.

In addition, the autofocus point is set in the upper right corner of the screen and then placed in front of the subject for shooting. Any of these options can help you to make the theme off-center and make the composition more balanced.

09. The position, posture and appearance of posing portrait models will have a great influence on the final shooting result. Small changes in facial expressions (such as smiling) can fundamentally change the overall atmosphere of a photo.

When shooting, try to capture a series of expressions so that you can choose one or more photos when editing on the computer.

10, the creative lighting method is equipped with an external flash, a wireless trigger and a diffuser of appropriate size, and you will find new possibilities of using this intelligent and unique cool lighting setting.

Set the lighting of the model from the side to increase the drama and creativity of the portrait: capture the moody background behind the model by inputting -2 exposure compensation, so as to shoot in the underexposed sky or background.

1 1. Flash bracket Consider investing in a flash bracket, such as a rotating umbrella adapter. The fixer can not only act as a second hand, but also position the flash at a high or low position to help you make the light appear in the ideal position perfectly.

12. Use fill light in sunny days. Although it seems strange to use the flash in the sun, it is time for you to use it! Sunlight will bring various problems to portrait photographers: the shadow on the face is too thick, the exposure is uneven and the time is too long.

Using auxiliary flash will immediately improve portrait photos; Your camera will capture a more balanced exposure, because when the camera "touches" the background, the fill flash will illuminate the model.