Tips to Get That Perfect Portrait Photograph

Portrait photographs are intended to capture the and bring out something special about the subject and the moment.  Portraits often tell a story.  Here are some tips that could help you get that perfect portrait photograph.

Focus

The most expressive feature about anyone’s face is the eyes.  It is said that the eyes reflect a person’s soul.  In portrait photographs it is most important to keep the focus on the eyes.  It does not always have to be a happy or smiling portrait.  Often a mysterious look works wonders.  Sometimes a sad and lost look in the eyes adds depth and character to the portrait.  Try and get a variety of expressions so you have a better chance to get that perfect portrait photograph.
    

Setting

The backdrop setting for a portrait can set the theme for the portrait.  Select a setting that is of significance to the subject’s life or to a particular event in their life.  For example, set the portrait photograph of a doctor or judge in the clinic or chambers respectively.  If the portrait is for a specific occasion like prom or graduation, shoot the subject in their outfit and, if possible, at the venue but with the focus clearly on the subject and the backdrop slightly blurred.
    

Clothes

Clothes too add hugely to the final look of a portrait photograph.  Help your subject select clothes for the portrait shoot that are age appropriate, theme appropriate, and that flatter their features.  Use colors that bring out the best in their skin tone.  For outdoor portraits, white and lighter shades of blue or khaki look good on most people.  For studio portrait or more formal looks, you can go with darker shades, but make sure they highlight your subject’s features rather than overshadowing them.
    

Pose

When posing for the portrait, keep in mind your subject’s comfort level and also appropriateness of the pose to the age and sex of your subject.  Avoid getting children to pose stiffly, instead a natural pose in an outdoor setting works best.  For teenagers you could go for a theme-based (sports-based, storybook character inspired, etc.) pose with a background and costume of the same theme, or you could get a simple casual pose.  For older people, conventional poses look more appropriate and add a certain character to the portrait.
    

Click Lots of Pictures

The advantage of digital photography is that you do not need to worry about film getting wasted.  You can always delete all the extra unwanted pictures.  When shooting portraits, take as many pictures as you can.  This is especially important when you are shooting action portraits or portrait photographs of children.  Make sure you and your subject are ready and then just keep shooting.  That way you will get at least one perfect portrait photograph!