5 Great Tips for Portrait Photographs

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A portrait photograph does not only mean a person's image. It shows character and emotion as well as employing professional approaches. If you want to start shooting portraits and don't know the essential elements, here are five tips that can give you a good start.

1. Plan
Be sure that you are ready before you go to the photo shoot. Not only that you have all the equipment that you need, but be sure that you can handle the job properly. Prepare all the necessary materials and be sure to bring a good topic for conversation so that your subject can relax while you are shooting. Document your scene and itemize all tools and props you are going to need. Review this list carefully and make sure nothing is missing.

2. Rapport
Building rapport with your subject is the first thing that you should learn how to achieve. Interest in knowing your subjects are a plus. If you get to know your subject and they know you, they will become more comfortable in front of the camera. When the shoot comes, you have better chances of getting the best natural expressions of the people you are photographing. Sit your subject and initially discuss anything to put them at ease. Many photographers from the film days would spend some time snapping without film for a "rapport time". Then when they felt the subject was at ease, then use film. With digital this is not necessary, but you get the point.

3. Personality
Try to make sure that your photos will show the personality of your subject. You can only do this if you know the person. So if you don't know them, get to know them. You can do this in the initial discussion before the session as well as observation during the session. Discover something about the person and their characteristics and try to show this in the photographs. Make sure that their personality shows in their faces. Personality usually appears when the subject is not expecting a shot or is comfortable with you and the equipment.

4. Background
Most portraits have light or dark backgrounds to emphasize the subject. You can also use the environment to add more character to your subject. Also, be sure that the colors of your background and the dress of your subject compliment each other. Sometimes backgrounds become the flaw of a picture because the photographer took it for granted. Plain black or white paper or material backgrounds are the favorite choice of professional portrait photographers.

5. Lighting
Most photographers prefer studio lighting as it provides the photographer with much more control than natural light. However, some professionals choose natural lighting but this can be difficult to achieve, as a studio has to be purpose built around the natural elements of the sun. Be sure that light is interesting and flattering, or that it satisfies the angle that you want to emphasize. Portrait photographers generally use two or more lights, underexposing one side of the face by up to one stop. Lighting can have a terrific effect especially if you want a professional looking photograph.

Portrait photography is a really enjoyable hobby. If you're serious in making it your career, you can be sure that it can be lucrative as long as you perfect your craft. However, remember that you should have the heart for the job because portrait photography's first requirement is human interest.

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