Your Portraits Should Tell a Story - How to Take Great Portrait Shots

The Afghan girl featured on the cover of National Geographic magazine in 1985 captured the attention of a generation. Her eyes in that portrait told a haunting story that photographer Steve McCurry admits was never actually premeditated. "I didn't think the photograph of the girl would be different from anything else I shot that day," he says in a follow up National Geographic article, a Life Revealed.

It is something about the strikingness of the eyes and the emotion of the subject that can really make a portrait stand out. Like McCurry, some of your portrait photography success will be attributed to luck, but you can also take on board these tips to capture poignant portraits:

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Plan - for a portrait shoot, scour your surroundings and plan your shot before you set up your subject. Look for a plain background to shoot against for close-up head shots. Meanwhile, a simple setting with some interesting lines will be good for full length poses but be sure that the surroundings don't detract from your subject matter.

Your Portraits Should Tell a Story - How to Take Great Portrait Shots

Build Rapport - the most important part about photographing people is to make sure your subject feels comfortable. Establish good rapport, engage them in conversation - this will be especially important if you're not working with a professional model as many individuals feel nervous about having their photograph taken. Always discuss the shots you're planning and be prepared to alter your plans if he or she does not feel comfortable with the concept.

Personality - lighting, background, framing - while the photographer is in control of the elements of the shot, the subject is in control of the photo. You will need to work with your subject's personality to create an engaging image. Remember that the definition of a portrait shot is an "artistic representation of a person" capturing the personality, emotion and mood of the subject. For example, environmental portraits that are taken in the subject's natural surroundings such as the home can make a powerful composition and reveal a lot of depth about the person.

Posing - as a photographer, you're expected to give stage directions to your model. You want the position to look natural and to present your subject in the best light. Look for any flaws in your subject and pose them in a way that hides these imperfections - for example, you can minimise the appearance of a large nose by raising the chin slightly. Meanwhile, make sure the shots look and feel natural - let kids be kids and make sure group shots convey the relationship between the individuals.

Equipment - not all digital cameras are built the same and you'll need to ensure you have the right equipment for your portrait shot. Many experts recommend the rule of 3 point lighting for portrait photography (key light, fill light and rim light).

Your Portraits Should Tell a Story - How to Take Great Portrait Shots

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Portrait Photography Tips and Tricks

Would you like to improve your portrait photography? Knowing how to set up your camera and lighting to take quality pictures is just one of many steps. You also have to pose your subject while helping them feel relaxed and comfortable. Having great technical skills is a good start, but personal skills will also go a long way when photographing people. Let's look at some things you'll have to consider to take good portraits.

If you're taking your portraits in a studio be sure to set up everything before your subject arrives. Making your subject wait can make them feel anxious and even annoyed. These negative feelings will show up in the photographs. Get the lighting right. Have some props. Props can be used to make your subject feel more comfortable. Many people will relax more quickly if they're given something to do with their hands. If you're using a backdrop have it in place before the person arrives. If you're shooting outside of your studio, try to familiarize yourself with the location before the shoot. Walk around the area and get ideas for pictures.

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You should plan a general look and feel for the portraits before the photo shoot. When your subject arrives discuss those ideas with them and get feedback. These original ideas often change, but they're good to set you in a direction for the photography session.

Portrait Photography Tips and Tricks

Don't be afraid to give your subject directions. Most people need to be posed for photographs. Many, if left to their own devices, will appear slouchy in pictures. Having your subject lean slightly forward will help stop them from slouching. While you're taking the pictures talk to our subject about their interests. Getting to know them better will help them feel more comfortable. Eventually, they may forget about the camera all together. If someone is uncomfortable having their portrait taken it really shows up in the picture. It's important that you go out of your way to help them relax.

Be creative. Creative portraits that break the rules can be very effective. Try different camera angels. Change the lighting. Use filters. See what works best for the mood your trying to capture. Some portraits may just include the person's hands. In some portraits the face fills the whole picture. Photography is a creative art. Once you know the rules don't be afraid to break them. As you make changes, be confident without being bossy. This will help your subject trust your decisions and be more willing to follow your instructions.

Combining these skills with the technical skills you already have will help make you the most popular portrait photographer in town.

Portrait Photography Tips and Tricks

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