So, you're new to this whole photography thing and you're not quite sure where to start...
No problem!
In this tutorial, I offer up a few quick and easy portrait photography tips that will help you get headed in the right direction.
Without further ado, let's explore some portrait photography tips for beginners!
Editor's Note: The photos used as examples in this article were shared with us by Sew Trendy Fashion & Accessories. If you need clothing, props, and other portrait accessories for maternity portraits, newborn photography, and non-maternity portraiture, Sew Trendy has what you need!
Photography Tips for Beginners: Scout Locations Ahead of Time
The last thing you want to do when it comes time to take portraits is drag your subject around looking for a suitable place to take a photo.
Instead, give your photo shoot some forethought and consider things like the background you'd like to use, the lighting that's available, how far away the location is, and how long it takes to get there.
What's more, consider what the location has to offer in terms of different portrait possibilities. For example, are there multiple spots that can be used as a backdrop?
The more planning you do, the more time you can spend behind the camera actually taking photos!
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Portrait Photography Tip: Focus on the Eyes
As the saying goes, the eyes are the window to a person's soul, so it's crucially important that you highlight your subject's eyes in the shot.
And by highlight their eyes, I don't mean shine a light on them...
Instead, be sure of a couple of things - first, that you can see the model's eyes, and second, that the model's eyes are perfectly sharp.
That means making sure that there's no hair in front of the eyes and that there's enough light to see the model's face and to minimize shadowing.
To get the best focus, manually change the autofocus point so that it falls directly on one of the model's eyes or on the bridge of their nose.
If you aren't sure how to manually change the autofocus point on your camera, consult the video tutorial above by Photo Genius.
Add Detail With the Wardrobe
A portrait is all about the person in the shot, but that doesn't mean that you can't add interesting details to catch the eye with your subject's wardrobe selection.
The key to making wardrobe selections for portraits is that the clothing adds enough color, contrast, and texture without overwhelming the shot, as the gown in the photo above does beautifully.
Another key component of dressing a portrait subject is ensuring that they are comfortable and feel good about what they're wearing. After all, the more comfortable and confident they are, the more likely they are to come across in your photos as comfortable and confident!
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Don't Overdo It
There's another saying that's perfect for beginner portrait photographers - keep it simple, stupid.
Sometimes new photographers (and old ones, too!) get carried away with the hair, makeup, styling, and other elements in the portrait, which usually means one thing - a portrait that's overwhelming for the viewer to see and that quickly looks dated.
Instead, strive to keep things simple and classic, and you'll have a solid portrait on your hands that your subject will love for years and years to come.
Keeping it simple means having a low-key background, using soft, natural light, avoiding clothing with crazy patterns, and having an overall aesthetic that has pleasing colors and contrast.
Remember - a portrait is all about the person in the photo, not where they're standing or what they're wearing (though those factors can certainly help you create a better shot!).
As you explore portrait photography, just know that practice really does make perfect, so keep taking photos, keep practicing things like learning how to use your camera, and you'll find that the skills you accumulate from these beginner photography tips will help you start to take better portraits.
About Sew Trendy
This is a company that photographers absolutely need to be in touch with. Their gowns, crowns, and other high-quality accessories are just what you need for maternity photos, photos of newborns, mommy and me sessions, and portraits. These accessories not only make your clients look and feel great, but they also add a depth of detail and interest to your photos that elevate the images to an entirely other level. What started out with just a few people manufacturing these eye-catching items is a growing business that provides accessories to photographers worldwide. Help your clients look and feel their best by partnering with Sew Trendy Accessories.