How to help the subject relax in portrait photography and let you take high-quality portrait photos?

We may often be asked how to take portraits. For some reason, it seems difficult for many people to create beautiful portraits, especially close-ups (heads). Indeed, when you have a person looking straight at you in front of the camera and waiting for the next photo, it may be difficult to take the ideal photo. Here are 8 tips to help you take portraits, so that you and your subjects can easily take pictures.

1. Consult before taking pictures.

Before shooting, please make sure that you know how the photo will be used and what style your subject likes. Communication will make you better prepared for taking pictures. Make sure that the customer knows what will happen when shooting and is as relaxed as possible. Lawyers may choose a clean white background, while yoga instructors may prefer natural photos. Find out what they want in the communication process, so that you can be fully prepared and the final result can meet the needs of the subject as much as possible.

2. Help your model choose the right clothes

Solid colors and neutral colors are best for close-up portraits, because anything that distracts the face must be avoided. If you want to achieve a formal style, please make sure that everyone understands what is said. Just in case, don't forget to bring your formal work clothes. If you have a lot of time to take pictures, please ask your model to bring some clothes and remind you to change clothes according to the shooting theme.

Take pictures away from the background

In order to get a good portrait, please make sure that your subject is not too close to the background. If you use the studio background or office wall, it should not have the shadow of foreign objects that are not in the background. The extra shadows make the portrait look unprofessional. For outdoor portraits, it is suggested to separate the subject from the background, and the resulting messy scene will create a beautiful background, especially when shooting in an open place.

F4 is used for outdoor shooting under natural light, and it is best to use the aperture of f 8 to take photos in the studio.

4. Say hello before shooting

Whether you are taking pictures of one person or the whole team, please be sure to talk to each of them first to help them relax. Usually people are very nervous about being photographed. They can shake hands confidently or ask a question, "How are you?" Therefore, talking about something in their comfort zone (where they live, whether they have children or pets) will make them feel more comfortable.

5. Lighting and posture

For commercial and actor portraits, it is recommended to use uniform lighting. In some cases, the photos appear soft, but in most cases, the light in the pictures is uniform. A classic lighting scheme, a light source from above and a second light source (or reflector) providing supplementary light from below will produce good results. Make sure your subject is in harmony with the camera.

The 45-degree angle is towards the main light source, and the face must be aimed directly at the camera. You may need to specifically ask your model to look directly at the camera.

6. Sit the model down

People may feel more comfortable sitting up. If you ask the model to put his hands above his legs, the model will feel more comfortable, which also ensures that the model will not move too much and it is easier to shoot.

7. Don't be afraid to try

What's the difference between a good portrait and a mediocre portrait? The answer is simple-details determine success or failure. This also applies to portrait photography, and only a small adjustment can make everything different. Tilt your head slightly, lean forward, gentle and charming smile.

-All these must be considered. Don't be afraid to let others change their facial expressions and postures until you get the portrait you have been waiting for.

8. Give affirmation to the model.

In the process of taking photos, you should always talk to the model to make sure that everything she does is correct, which is very helpful for taking excellent photos. Don't express these feelings even if you are not satisfied with the results obtained during the filming. Silence will kill the atmosphere, so no matter what happens, just keep chatting and keep a positive attitude.