1/28/2012

The Basic Elements In Taking A Portrait Image

By Ping Wooten


Portrait photography is not simply taking a picture of someone. It is an art that exposes the character of a subject by capturing his feelings in numerous situations. Although the images we shoot for official data like passports and driver's permits belong in this category, they are not the only samples of portrait photos. The finest ones are in fact those that show the personality of the subject and that stir up emotions from the viewers.

There are two elements in shooting a great portrait image, which are lighting and the pose. Since the emphasis of every photo is on the subject, the background is elective, with some photographers favor a bare white background. The backdrop should aid in drawing out the reactions of the person, not divert the focus of the picture.

Some portrait photos include just the subject's face, while there are also those that feature the whole body. The objective is to reveal the character, the feelings, and even the disposition of the subject. Most shots feature the model looking directly into the camera to captivate the spectators. After all, as the windows of the soul, the eyes have the power to beckon people without the need for words. But there are times when the subject's pose and face expression already reveal so much about the character of the model that there is no need for the subject to look straight into the camera. Some of the most captivating portrait photographs were actually taken candidly and have the subject doing a particular activity.

The positioning of the subject and the angle of the camera give the picture another perspective. The photo should allow the viewers to take a look at and sense the subject's feelings. The pose of the subject can offer viewers a glimpse of his or her emotions, while the angle of the camera can offer them a chance to understand those feelings.

Lastly, lighting plays a crucial role in portrait photography, as true with any other photographic technique. It can help the photo achieve a more intense look and give it more dimensions. Depending on how the photographer controls the light, a simple pose can reveal a lot of variations. But as much as it can improve a photo, it can similarly damage it. Excess or lack of light or even just a small incorrect positioning of it can already mess up the picture's effect.




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