5 Quick Tips To Add Interest To Your Portraits
Today I thought I’d pen out some quick tips which may give you some ideas to add variety into your portraits. Traditional portraits have their place but sometimes something a bit more creative or with a twist can have much more impact. Some of the examples I’ve used are self-portraits but the idea could equally apply to shooting other people. I’ve not really gone into much detail, I’m hoping that this post serves as more a spark of inspiration more than an in-depth guide.
1. Selective Framing and Cropping
Experiment with framing the shot so only part of your subject is revealed. This adds a bit of mystery and intrigue. You could also maybe stray from faces altogether and take pictures of just someone’s hands of feet.
day:2 by bigcrustyape (Nathan Pask)
2. Get Outside
Although the subject of a portrait is about the subject, don’t under-estimate the effect a great backdrop can have in adding interest. It also opens up a few lighting opportunities and also gives you more shooting space.
hide and seek by disco~stu (Stuart Mackenzie)
3. Negative Space
Battle against your instincts and don’t fill the frame. Giving some empty space around the subject can actually give more weight to it.
space to think by bigcrustyape (edit by disco~stu)
4. Face Paints
Should all the effects be done with software these days? Break out the paints and give your subject a make over. Add drama or maybe fun….make your subject stand out or maybe even make them blend into the background!
Amateur Kabuki by fwumpbungle (Paul Broome)
5. Be Silly
Portraits can be fun! don’t be afraid to be silly and capture your subjects being silly. It’s a great way to relax a subject and you’ll probably find you get a few shots with natural smiles along the way.
Christmas Cliche 2 by Daz* (Darren Rogers)
I hope these have sparked some ideas….I have another 5 tips on the same subject so make sure you check back later in the week when I’ll be posting more.
8 Comments to 5 Quick Tips To Add Interest To Your Portraits
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All the moody shots I’ve done and you find one of the few dumb-ass ones to use! Ha ha!
There’s some great ideas here that I really should use soon as I’m quickly running outta ideas for my 365 . . .
Aww, I love that shot of Darren. He looks cute as a button! hehe.
i am chuffed guys! Many thanks
Good tips Stu…
I really need to start doing that more. Good tip!
Thank you !! These are great…love the ideas and looking forward to the next five.
Great tips, Stu. I still haven’t tried face paints – perhaps it is time… I really like the hide and seek one too, though it could work equally well under silly. (and Daz’s is hilarious!)
Nice one. Keep them coming.
Maybe I should do a Face Painting 101?