When I first started out in photography many years ago, I thought that portraiture would be easy.
I was wrong!
It’s not that creating a beautiful portrait is impossibly hard, but man, I was in for a shock when I realized how much is involved in creating the final look you see in gorgeous portraits like the one above.
When you’re a beginner and you’re just starting to dabble in portraiture, it can be a little overwhelming thinking about all the stuff you need to accomplish to get the shot.
With that in mind, I put together this quick list of what I think are three essential portrait photography tips for beginners. Each tip will help you ratchet up the quality of your photos by showing you how to compose better shots and accessorize them for impact.
Let’s get started!
Editor’s Note: The images used in this article were provided by our pal Kat Armendariz, Kat on the Web, of hushXpose in Las Vegas. Kat is a master portrait photographer, and her images beautifully illustrate how you can improve your compositions.
Portrait Photography Tips for Beginners: Use a Backdrop
One thing that sets professional portraits apart from those taken by novices is the presence of a backdrop that enhances the shot.
The key word here is “enhance.” What you don’t want is to overwhelm the portrait with over-the-top backgrounds that take attention away from the model.
This concept is done to perfection in the image above.
The background elements in this shot add interest but aren’t overbearing in any way. Instead, they enhance the shot just like we want by adding visual interest in the background, but the model retains the bulk of our attention.
In this example, there’s fewer accessories, but there’s bolder choices for the backdrop and the floor.
Again, though the backdrop stands out more because of the white raised panel look and the floor has the appearance of having a texture, neither one overwhelms the shot.
Instead, they add appeal to the portrait while letting the model be the star of the show.
When choosing a backdrop (or floor, for that matter), it’s important to get something that’s not only beautiful but is also durable.
After all, a backdrop needs to stand up to years of use and abuse, and the last thing you want to do is spend a bunch of money on a backdrop that just falls apart.
Part of what makes Kat’s photos so appealing is the backdrops and floors she uses from Click Props Backdrops.
These things are constructed with 450gsm vinyl that’ll stand up to dirt, moisture, high heels...you name it! Just wipe ‘em down after each use and they’ll be ready to roll.
That makes these backdrops and floors an investment for the future, not just something you’ll use a few times and have to throw away.
Likewise, these backdrops are super easy to use so you aren’t spending a ton of time setting up and tearing down for each shot.
You can hang the backdrop using integrated grommets, or you can choose to forego the grommets and hang it with a magnetic roller system that makes working with the backdrop even easier. You can also use A-Clamps from the hardware store and clamp it to your backdrop stand. They each come in their own clear plastic tube for easy storage and travel as well.
The point is that adding a beautiful backdrop to your portraits is a simple solution for improving the quality of your shots.
And if you work with Click Props Backdrops, you can choose from hundreds of different backdrops that will work hard for you for years to come.
What’s not to like about that?
Learn More:
Portrait Photography Tips for Beginners: Add Depth to the Shot
One of the simplest ways to improve the appeal of your portraits is to give them more depth.
This can be done in a couple of ways…
Above, you can see how the addition of the chandelier in the foreground of the shot immediately gives this portrait tons of depth.
What’s more, it’s a visually striking element to add to the composition, thanks to the sparkle and glam of the chandelier.
A totally different - yet equally effective option - is to pose the model in a way that introduces depth.
In the image above, having the model lay on the chaise with her legs extended toward the camera helps give the shot more dimension.
Additionally, notice how the background is much more in focus in this shot than you typically see in portraits. Again, this helps add depth that makes this image feel much more like a 3D scene as opposed to a 2D scene.
Notice, though, that just like I pointed out earlier, the backdrop and other elements in the background enhance this photo - nothing detracts from the rockin’ model!
Learn More:
- How to Create Short Lighting for Portraits in Under Two Minutes
- Best Camera Settings for Portrait Photography
Portrait Photography Tips for Beginners: Accessorize!
Another way you can improve the appeal of your portraits is to add accessories that provide more interest to the photo and give the shot a more unique look.
In the image above, the addition of the handheld mirror makes this portrait immediately eye-catching.
This is a perfect example of how the right props used in the right way can help you make something that’s much more appealing than a typical portrait.
The same can be said for this shot as well.
The feathered headpiece, the necklace, and the flower the model is holding all add visual interest to the photo by adding color, shape and texture.
Combined with the background elements - the candelabra, the pallets, and the Manor House Damask Backdrop, this portrait is beautifully accessorized.
There’s a lot more to creating a gorgeous portrait, but these tips for accessorizing and composing your images will get you headed in the right direction.
For more portrait photography tips, check out Click Props Backdrops on YouTube and the Learn More links throughout this article.
Learn More:
- How to Create Split Portrait Lighting in Under Two Minutes
- How to Improve Your Portraits in Just 5 Minutes