It’s easy to take a photo. It’s more challenging to take a photo that says WOW! But it doesn’t have to be. Follow these four basic guidelines, and you’re on your way to taking great portraits.
Focus Attention:
When your friends look at your photos, are they immediately drawn to the subject? In this picture, the girl’s arm and hat frame her face. There’s no question who the subject it. Also, notice how her clothing isn't competing with her face.
Simplify:
If too much is going on in the photo, your viewer will be distracted from the true subject of the picture. I kept this shot tight for that reason. You don’t see much of the background since it wasn’t necessary for the story I was telling. If you want to show more of the background, make sure it doesn’t distract from your subject.
There’re a number of ways you can do this. I’ll be discussing them in upcoming posts.
Keep It Natural:
Try to avoid the OMG!-would-you-take-the-bloody-picture-or-what smile. The teen is laughing at her friends. What’s more natural than that?
Add Some Sparkle:
Look at the teen’s eyes. Do you see the sparkle there? The picture was taken in the shadow of the building. What you’re seeing is the sun bouncing off the parking lot in front of her. If you don’t see this sparkle, then add it with your flash. Because it’s not the best method (unless you use professional equipment), I’ll be discussing another way to do it next week. It’s really easy. Professionals use the same trick.
Follow these simply guidelines and your portraits will be better for it. I promise.