Creating an exceptional portrait involves developing a point of view of the subject. It does not just require technical knowledge and focus, but also the ability to work effectively with human subjects. Having expertise in both fashion and portrait photography, Bruce Weber Photographer is well-versed in how to work with human subjects, and create amazing images. He has done celebrity portraiture and fashion photography for Vogue, GQ, Vanity Fair, Elle, and more. Among other projects, his photographs for Calvin Klein propelled his career with some iconic images.
Portrait photography is not an easy specialization. It requires a good deal of practice and dedication to master. However, taking the following the best practices and tips can surely help a photographer in improving their portrait photography skills:
- Focus on the eyes: One of the easiest ways to make a portrait more powerful is to focus on the eyes of the subjects. Eyes can be extremely expressive and evocative. One must try to compose a portrait in a manner that which the eyes of the subject are the focal point. It will be smart in certain instances to blur the background to place better emphasis on the facial features of the subject.
- Use indirect light: Having a subject squinting into direct sunlight can ruin a portrait. Therefore, while shooting such images, one must select a light source that is bright enough, but not direct. If they are shooting indoors, placing the subject near the window would be a good move to take advantage of the natural light. When outdoors, it will be better to shoot in a shady area or wait until it’s the golden hour or when the sky gets cloudy. A portable diffuser can also be used to soften the direct light.
- Shoot at the eye level of the subject: For instance, if a photographer plans to take portraits of kids, then they need to place themselves at their level by sitting on their knees, rather than shooting from above. However, following this practice is not always required. There can be cases when one may experiment with diverse angles to create more creative portraiture.
- Practice with someone known: In many ways, portrait photography is a pretty intimate art form. Hence, it is a good idea for amateur photographers to practice with someone they know and have a rapport with, before trying out professional assignments.
- Consider the setting: Choosing to shoot environmental portraits in a natural setting rather than a staged one would be an ideal way to create visual interest while also underlining the personality of the subject. Photographers should consider shooting their subjects while they go about their normal life and activities to create more authentic looking images.
The points marked above can come as a huge help for any new portrait photographer. With continuous hard work and practice, one can surely have the chance to become as skilled as industry experts like Bruce Weber Photographer.
