When shot correctly, portraits freeze individual moments in time and tell their stories. Of course, portrait photography captures people, but there’s so much more to a great portrait than just a person. They transmit emotions, teleport us around the globe, and intimately connect us with the subject.

With that said, if you are a beginner photographer interested in portrait photography, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we share a handful of simple yet effective tips that will increase the quality of your portraits. By implementing them into your photography routine today, you will see immediate results, and your friends and family will be blown away by your images.

So, what are we waiting for? Let’s dive in and discover four simple portrait photography tips for beginners guaranteed to improve your portraits overnight!

Check out the video above by Bach Photography to learn more portrait photography tips and how you can quickly and easily improve your portraits.

Table of Contents

• Portrait Photography Tips: Get to Know Your Subjects
• Portrait Photography Tips: Use the Right Lens
• Portrait Photography Tips: Be Creative
• Portrait Photography Tips: Partner With a High-Quality Printing Company
• Final Thoughts on Portrait Photography

Portrait Photography Tips: Get to Know Your Subjects

Photo by bodnar.photo via Shutterstock

One drastically underrated aspect of portrait photography is the relationship between the subject and the photographer. The better you know the person you are shooting, the more comfortable you both will be during a photo shoot, and the better the pictures will turn out. This is why it’s critical to take the time to get to know and connect with your models before working with them.

In some situations, such as street and travel photography, you rarely have time to get to know your subjects. And sometimes the two of you won’t even speak the same language. However, a smile and a quick hello go a long way in these cases. They will instantly lower your subject’s guard, which will shine through in your photos.

Portrait Photography Tips: Use the Right Lens

Photo by oscargutzo via Shutterstock

Another top portrait photography tip for beginners is to make sure you are using the correct lenses. When selecting a portrait lens, the lens type (zoom vs prime), focal length, and maximum aperture are the primary things to consider. Price will also factor into your decision, so if you are on a budget, I recommend checking out the amazing selection of used lenses at MPB.

In other types of photography, zoom lenses are the most sought-after lenses, but most portrait photographers prefer working with prime lenses. This is because they often feature higher-quality glass and have large max apertures (low f-stop number). The best focal lengths for portrait photography are 85mm, 50mm, and 35mm.

Portrait Photography Tips: Be Creative

Photo by Olga Evans via Shutterstock

This seems like a “duh” tip, but due to the popularity of portrait photography, it can be challenging to make your photos stand out. That’s why our next portrait photography tip for beginners is to be creative and have fun with it! Different ways to be creative include playing with light, using props/outfits, and taking advantage of today’s post-production tools.

There are tons of ways to get creative using light, whether you are using natural lighting, a lighting kit, or creative lens filters. One of my favorites is to create contrast using shadows, as shown above. Next, props and clothing are a great way to add a fun and unique look to your images. Lastly, editing your portraits is a fantastic way to make your images pop! Learn the ropes of a program like Photoshop, watch some editing tutorials, and watch the quality of your portraits improve drastically!

Keep Reading: A Beginner’s Guide to Portrait Photography Angles

Portrait Photography Tips: Partner With a High-Quality Printing Company

Image Credit: Shiny Prints

Our final portrait photography tip is to ensure you always print your portraits from a high-quality, trustworthy source. There are endless places that claim to deliver excellent quality prints, but unfortunately, not all of them live up to their promise. And as a beginner photographer, the last thing you need is to have your portraits ruined by a shabby print job.

Fortunately, there are some fantastic outfits, like Shiny Prints, that offer beautiful prints without breaking the bank. That’s the exact combination you want when you’re starting out in photography!

Shiny Prints specializes in metal prints, and, boy, do they do a bang-up job…

As I discuss in my video below, I was absolutely blown away by the quality of my metal print from these guys. From the color rendition to the contrast to the sharpness, this print was stunning. The quality of the metal and the craftsmanship that went into making it were completely impressive, too!

This focus on one substrate means that you get a better product. Sure, some companies offer paper, metal, acrylic, canvas, and other types of prints, but sometimes the focus on a million different products means they aren’t as good as they could be. It’s a jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none situation.

But since Shiny Prints is a metal-only outfit, they’ve honed their craft, developed innovative techniques for creating prints, and found their niche as one of the best metal print companies. That’s the kind of expertise and proven track record you want when you entrust a company with printing your images!

So, if you’re at the point where you want to see your best photos as large-format prints, now is the time to visit Shiny Prints. I’ve gotten numerous prints from these folks over the years, and I’ve been nothing but impressed. I think you will be, too!

Final Thoughts on Portrait Photography

Photo by NDAB Creativity via Shutterstock

As you can see, so much more goes into creating gorgeous portraits than just your camera and subject…

Pre-production, production, and post-production all play huge roles in the process and affect your final results. So, remember what you learned above the next time you are taking photos of people, and you will find that the results you get are vastly improved.

All that’s left to do now is to grab your camera, find a portrait subject, and start shooting!

Our articles might have affiliate links and the occasional sponsored content, but don’t sweat it – if you buy something, we get a little kickback at no extra cost to you, and we only hype products we truly believe in!

Learn More:

• 3 Techniques That Will Completely Change Your Portrait Photography
• Beyond the Selfie: Creative Portrait Ideas to Elevate Your Travel Photography

Hero photo by Prostock-studio via Shutterstock

The post 4 Simple Portrait Photography Tips for Beginners appeared first on Photography Talk.

Below, we’ll explore four creative portrait ideas that will help elevate your travel photography. They include environmental, candid, cultural, and silhouette portraits.

Whether you are a hobbyist who wants to impress your friends back home, an influencer who wants better pictures for social media, or a professional who wants to capture stunning images for your clients, everyone needs inspiration occasionally. With that in mind, keep reading to discover which types of travel portrait photography inspire you the most! 

Check out Chris Hau’s video above to learn more about travel photography and how to improve your results. 

Table of Contents

• Environmental Portraits for Travel Photography
• Candid Portraiture for Travel Photography
• Cultural Portraits for Travel Photography
• Silhouette Portraits for Travel Photography
• A Good Tripod is Key to Good Travel Photography

Environmental Portraits for Travel Photography

Photo by anek.soowannaphoom via Shutterstock

Environmental portraits are photos that utilize your natural surroundings to enhance the quality of the portrait. Iconic landmarks and beautiful natural features make excellent backdrops for portraits. So, next time you travel somewhere with a jaw-dropping landscape, snap a few photos with you and your loved ones in the frame instead of only scenic shots.

Two more advantages of environmental portraits are that they can make landscapes more interesting and are wonderful souvenirs. Shooting a subject in front of a landscape adds depth, context, and a sense of scale to the photo. At the same time, environmental portraits make great prints for hanging, photo albums for coffee tables, and cards for mailing out.

Candid Portraiture for Travel Photography

Photo by Zivica Kerkez  via Shutterstock

Candid portraits are a fabulous way to capture authentic real-life moments when traveling. Staged photos are also great, but our favorite portraits are almost always the spontaneous ones. There’s just something special about seeing true emotion on someone’s face that makes us light up when looking back on them later.

Whether you are shooting candid portraits of people you know or random strangers, one key is to be discreet. When subjects know you are taking photos of them, their behavior changes (consciously or subconsciously). Therefore, one of our top travel photography tips is to use a telephoto lens for candid photography.

Cultural Portraits for Travel Photography

Photo by Sutprattana Studio via Shutterstock

One of the best parts about traveling is immersing yourself in the unique culture of different countries. So, why don’t you try to capture some of that culture on camera next time? Our favorite way to do this is by showcasing local attire, food, and traditions in our travel portraits. We like to shoot both images of ourselves blending in with the culture and some of the locals.

One super important thing to remember when traveling is to always respect the cultural sensitivities and follow the cultural rules of the country you are in. Read up on these topics before you travel so you can be prepared once you are there. Also, asking people for permission before taking their picture is a good idea, especially if it’s an intimate portrait. 

Silhouette Portraits for Travel Photography

Photo by Tint Media via Shutterstock

Last but not least, there are silhouette portraits. They are one of the most creative portrait ideas out there, and when shot correctly, the results are breathtaking. The key to this type of portrait is backlighting, which creates striking silhouettes in contrast to the background.

When shooting silhouette portraits, be aware that the light will constantly change. Due to this, you have to be willing to play around with different angles, poses, and camera settings to achieve the most dynamic results. Additionally, you can adjust your images in post-production to make them look just right.

The most impressive silhouette portraits are those shot with natural light, but you can also use an outdoor photography lighting kit to manipulate light and create silhouettes. For more information on this subject, check out our “Outdoor Photography Lighting Never Looked So Good” article.

A Good Tripod is Key to Good Travel Photography

Image Credit: Vanguard

Photography 101 is that you need a good, solid tripod to give your camera (or phone) a stable base for taking photos. Back in the day, that might’ve meant lugging around a big, heavy aluminum tripod wherever you went. That’s no longer the case, thanks to innovations from companies like Vanguard.

Take their VEO3GO204CB carbon fiber travel tripod as a great example of this. At just 1.8 pounds, it’s ultra-lightweight and won’t weigh you down during long outings while you explore the areas where you’re traveling. Yet, despite being so lighweight, the tripod offers features like a ball head, a smartphone holder, and a Bluetooth remote for taking awesome selfies.

Image Credit: Vanguard

But more than that, this tripod offers loads of functionality. By that, I mean that it isn’t just a tripod. Instead, it also converts to a monopod if you don’t need the full three-legged setup (and you can use the monopod as a selfie stick). Obviously, this makes the VEO3GO204CB even more compact and lightweight, yet you don’t sacrifice the ability to stabilize your camera or phone. Nice!

On top of that, this tripod/monopod combination can support up to 6.6 pounds of gear. Add a full frame mirrorless camera and big zoom lens, a vlogging camera with a microphone and light, or various other gear, and this tripod can handle it with no problem.

Image Credit: Vanguard

And when you’re done taking photos for the day and ready to hit the road again, this Vanguard tripod folds down to less than 14 inches. You can easily lash it to your bag to easily carry it to your next destination, yet have it in easy reach for when spur-of-the-moment photo opportunities arise.

The combination of the portrait photography tips outlined earlier and the Vanguard VEO3GO204CB, you can travel freely and snap great photos. Better still, you can do so without a huge output of money for a rock-solid tripod. It’s the best of all worlds!

Friendly disclaimer: Our articles may contain affiliate links that support us without costing you more, and sometimes we spice things up with sponsored content—but only for products we truly stand behind!

Learn More:

• How to Choose the Perfect Portrait Photography Location
• A Beginner’s Guide to Portrait Photography Angles

Hero photo by frantic00 via Shutterstock

The post Beyond the Selfie: Creative Portrait Ideas to Elevate Your Travel Photography appeared first on Photography Talk.

Obviously, there is a lot more involved with creating a nice portrait, though. You need the technical skills to understand how to use your camera properly. You also need the creative skills to compose a good portrait.

Table of Contents

How to Improve Your Portrait Photography

In the video above, Manny Ortiz discusses his journey to becoming a better portrait photographer. The tips he provides are simple and straightforward, but can have a massive impact on the results you get – no matter what gear you use and the location where you’re shooting.

One of Manny’s top tips is to incorporate symmetry into your portraits. No, this doesn’t refer to the model taking a perfectly symmetrical pose in the shot…instead, it refers to using symmetry in the background to create a compelling image. 

Youtube Screenshot/Manny Ortiz

As you can see in Manny’s shot above, the symmetry of the elevated train tracks above his shooting position creates a nice frame within a frame around the model. At the same time, the structure of the train tracks creates leading lines that provide depth to this example of portrait photography.

How to Compose Better Portrait Photography

Photo by FXQuadro via Shutterstock

The hard part isn’t composing an image with symmetry – just use live view to ensure the symmetrical elements are properly positioned in the frame. Instead, the hardest part is finding symmetrical elements to incorporate into your portraits. Architecture is a great option, of course, but you can find symmetry in natural elements, too. You simply have to train your eyes to look for it.

Give Manny’s video a thorough watch to get a couple more easy tips on making your portrait photography better. These low-time-intensive, high-results tips will improve your portraits in no time!

Heads up: Clicking on our affiliate links and exploring our sponsored content helps us at no extra cost to you, and we only recommend gear we’re absolutely crazy about!

Learn More:

• How to Choose the Perfect Portrait Photography Location
• A Beginner’s Guide to Portrait Photography Angles

Hero photo by Vitalii Matokha via Shutterstock

The post 3 Techniques That Will Completely Change Your Portrait Photography appeared first on Photography Talk.

Selecting the ideal location for a portrait photography session can significantly impact the final results. The location sets the tone, complements the subject, and enhances the overall aesthetic of the photographs (if you choose the right location, anyway).

As an experienced photographer, I’ve learned that finding the perfect spot involves a blend of creativity, practicality, and foresight. This guide relies on that experience to help you navigate the essential factors in choosing the perfect portrait photography location. So, without further ado, let’s get to it!

Table of Contents

• Understanding the Purpose and Style of the Shoot
• The Prints of Your Photos Should Align With the Purpose and Style of the Shoot, Too
• Considering Lighting Conditions
• Assessing Background and Environment
• Accessibility and Convenience
• Pre-Shoot Location Scouting

Understanding the Purpose and Style of the Shoot

Photo by Shopping King Louie via Shutterstock

Choosing a portrait photography location begins with understanding the purpose and style of the shoot. The location should align with the theme and the subject’s personality to create a cohesive and visually appealing portrait.

The first step is to determine the shoot’s purpose. Are you capturing professional headshots, family portraits, or developing an artistic series? Each type of portrait has different requirements. For example, professional headshots might benefit from a clean, minimalist backdrop in a photo studio, while family portraits could be enhanced by a warm, natural setting outdoors.

Next, consider the desired style and mood. Are you aiming for a modern, urban look or a serene, nature-inspired feel? The location should reflect the intended vibe. Urban settings with architectural elements can convey sophistication and energy, whereas natural environments like parks and beaches evoke calmness and beauty.

Photo by Patrick Foto via Shutterstock

Incorporating locations that hold personal significance to the subject can add depth and authenticity to the portraits, too. Whether it’s a favorite park, a meaningful landmark, or even their home, these settings can bring out genuine emotions and stories that make your photographs all the better.

Lastly, ensure that the chosen location complements the subject’s wardrobe and the overall color scheme. Visual consistency helps create a harmonious and aesthetically pleasing portrait. For instance, a bright, colorful outfit may stand out beautifully against a neutral, urban backdrop. Avoid matching the subject’s outfits to the environment or, worse, to other people in the shot. Matchy-matching clothes are not a vibe you should go for!

The Prints of Your Photos Should Align With the Purpose and Style of the Shoot, Too

Image Credit: Artbeat Studios

The type of substrate you use to print your images has a lot to do with the final presentation of the shot. As such, it should align with the purpose and style of the photo.

For example, a metal print is modern and sleek, lending itself to edgier portraits, like street portraits or other portraits in urban settings. Now, metal prints aren’t only for modern, edgy portraits, of course, but they might be a more appropriate option than, say, canvas prints.

Speaking of canvas prints, more traditional portraits – like family portraiture – might be more conducive to printing on canvas. I personally love getting portraits printed on canvas because I like the texture and depth it adds to the shot.

But, not all canvas prints are made alike. You really have to be careful where you order canvases and other types of prints from, as the quality varies greatly from one company to the next. That’s why I’ve used Artbeat Studios for years and years – the quality of their products is consistently above average (and they have different types to choose from, as shown above). In fact, Artbeat Studios is responsible for many of the best prints I’ve ever ordered!

The quality of these prints isn’t the only upside to working with Artbeat Studios for your printing needs. They’re a dedicated team of professionals who will help you through every step of the process. Not sure what format your images should be in? They can help! Want to know more about sizing or the printing process? Just ask! Believe me – I’ve had plenty of questions for the Artbeat Studios team over the years, and in every instance, they’ve taken the time to walk me through the answers to my questions, so I’m a more informed consumer.

Anyway, back to printing portraits…

Like I said earlier, I really like the depth that canvas gives portraits, but it isn’t the best choice for all situations. Fortunately, companies like Artbeat Studios offer a range of products, so you can invest in the ones that best meet your needs. Aside from the canvas and metal options I’ve already mentioned, Artbeat Studios also offers paper prints, acrylic prints, and EZ stick metal prints. In other words, you have lots of choices when creating portrait prints!

Considering Lighting Conditions

Photo by dekazigzag via Shutterstock

Lighting is one of the most critical elements in portrait photography – its quality and direction can dramatically affect the mood and clarity of your portraits. When selecting a portrait photography location, it’s essential to consider the available lighting conditions, which can vary greatly:

• Natural light is often preferred for its soft, flattering qualities. When scouting locations, observe how the light interacts with the environment at different times of the day. The golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offers warm, diffused light that is ideal for portraits. Avoid harsh midday sunlight that can cast unflattering shadows.
• In some situations, artificial lighting might be necessary. Urban settings with streetlights, neon signs, or indoor locations with controlled lighting can provide creative opportunities. Make sure the location has the appropriate power sources and space to set up your lighting equipment.
• Consider the direction from which the light is coming. Front lighting illuminates the subject evenly, while side lighting adds depth and dimension. Backlighting can create a beautiful halo effect but may require additional fill light to illuminate the subject’s face.
• Reflective surfaces, such as water, windows, and light-colored walls, can enhance natural light by bouncing it onto your subject. When scouting locations, look for elements that can act as natural reflectors to improve lighting conditions.

Assessing Background and Environment

Photo by ESB Professional via Shutterstock

The background and environment play a significant role in the overall composition of a portrait. A well-chosen background can enhance the subject and add context to the photograph. As such, pay attention to the elements in the background. A cluttered or distracting background can detract from the subject. Look for locations with clean, simple backgrounds or ones that naturally frame the subject, such as arches, doorways, or trees. Get more portrait photography location tips in the video below by Omar Gonzalez Photography:

Additionally, choose backgrounds that complement the subject’s attire and the intended color palette of the portrait. Harmonious colors can create a more cohesive and visually appealing image. For instance, a subject in earth tones will look great against a backdrop of greenery or autumn foliage. Incorporating depth into your portraits can make them more dynamic and engaging as well. Look for locations that offer layers or natural lines that lead the viewer’s eye toward the subject. This could be a path, a row of trees, or an alleyway.

The environment should also support the narrative of the portrait. As noted earlier, for a professional headshot, a modern office building might be appropriate, while a casual lifestyle shoot might be better suited to a park or a cozy café. The environment should add to the story without overpowering the subject, too.

Accessibility and Convenience

Photo by Kleber Cordeiro via Shutterstock

Practical considerations are crucial when choosing a portrait photography location. Ensuring the location is accessible and convenient for both you and your subject can prevent unnecessary stress and logistical issues. So, consider the travel distance to the location. It should be easily reachable for both you and your subject. Check for available parking or public transportation options, especially if the location is in a busy urban area.

Be aware that some locations require permits or fees for photography. Research these requirements ahead of time to avoid any legal issues. Public parks, historic sites, and private properties often have specific regulations for professional photography. Assess the availability of essential facilities as well, such as restrooms and changing areas. These are particularly important for longer shoots or sessions with multiple outfit changes. Nearby amenities, like cafes, can also provide convenience for breaks.

Of course, it’s paramount to have a plan for various weather conditions. Outdoor locations can be impacted by rain, wind, or extreme temperatures. Identify indoor or sheltered alternatives that can serve as backup locations if the weather doesn’t cooperate.

Pre-Shoot Location Scouting

Photo by Inna Igorivna via Shutterstock

Thorough pre-shoot scouting is key to ensuring a successful portrait photography session. Visiting potential locations in advance allows you to assess the environment and plan your shots more effectively. Schedule site visits at the same time of day as your planned shoot to evaluate the lighting and atmosphere accurately. Take test shots to see how the location looks through your lens and identify potential issues.

Utilize tools like Google Maps, photography apps, and social media to research locations as well. Platforms like Instagram and Pinterest can provide inspiration and insights into how other photographers have utilized the space. Also, check for Restrictions. During your scouting visit, look for any restrictions or obstacles that might affect your shoot. Look for signs indicating private property, restricted areas, or specific rules about photography.

Photo by FXQuadro via Shutterstock

Determine the best angles and compositions for your portraits during your pre-shoot visit, too. Consider the position of the sun, the direction of light, and the background elements. Having a plan will save time and help you capture the best possible shots.

With that, you have a few tips for choosing the perfect portrait photography location. It involves a blend of artistic vision and practical considerations to get the best results. But, by understanding the purpose and style of the shoot, considering lighting conditions, assessing the background and environment, ensuring accessibility and convenience, and conducting thorough pre-shoot scouting, you can find the ideal location to enhance your portraits.

Happy shooting!

Heads up: Clicking on our affiliate links and exploring our sponsored content helps us at no extra cost to you, and we only recommend gear we’re absolutely crazy about!

Learn More:

• A Beginner’s Guide to Portrait Photography Angles
• 3 Techniques That Will Completely Change Your Portrait Photography

The post How to Choose the Perfect Portrait Photography Location appeared first on Photography Talk.

Photography is a game of angles, and mastering how and when to use different angles to your advantage is one of the keys to successful photographers. This rings especially true in portrait photography, which is why this article is all about portrait photography angles!

In this beginner’s guide to portrait photography angles, we’ll examine various popular portrait photography techniques guaranteed to take your images to the next level. These include eye-level photography, high-angle photography, low-angle photography, over-the-shoulder photography, close-up photography, and more.

Additionally, we’ll recommend one of our favorite pieces of gear for portrait photography. Now, who is ready to learn more about portrait photography angles with us?!?

Check out the video above by Glyn Dewis to discover five portrait photography tips that will instantly improve your portraits.

Table of Contents

• Portrait Photography Angles: Shoot at Eye Level
• Try High Angle or Low Angle Shots for More Drama
• Portrait Photography Angles: Use Over-the-Shoulder Shots for a Unique View
• Close Up vs Medium vs Long Shots in Portrait Photography
• Try Varying Facial Views, Too
• More Portrait Photography Tips

Portrait Photography Angles: Shoot at Eye Level

Photo by Rock and Wasp via Shutterstock

The most widely used portrait photography angle is the eye-level shot. Eye-level portraits are great because they place the viewer and the subject on the same plain, making it easy for the viewer to connect with the subject. Moreover, portraits with the subject looking directly into the camera are usually more visually attractive. 

Another reason many people shoot eye-level portraits is that they are easy—you don’t need a tripod or any other advanced equipment. If you are new to portrait photography angles, we suggest getting comfortable with this angle before moving on to the more creative ones we discuss below.

Try High Angle or Low Angle Shots for More Drama

Photo by Viktoriia Hnatiuk via Shutterstock

You can try shooting high- and low-angle portraits to add drama to your images. High-angle portraits are popular because they naturally guide attention to the face (the key to gorgeous portraits) instead of the body. When shot correctly, high angles also add an appealing slimming effect that people like. A super trendy style of high-angle photography is birds-eye-view shots.

In contrast, low-angle portraits give your subjects a sense of authority and power. They are ideal for professional headshots, athletes, and shorter subjects who want to appear taller than they truly are. One word for the wise is to tread carefully with low-angle photography, though. If not captured well, the results can be extremely unflattering.

One amazing tool for low-angle portrait photography is the OctoPad. It’s an innovative and compact travel tripod alternative that provides unmatched stability on various surfaces, including wet, smooth, and uneven ground.

Better still, it’s compatible with all types of cameras (mirrorless, DSLR, point-and-shoot, action, etc.) and other gear like smartphones, microphones, and lights, giving you unmatched versatility for capturing low-angle portraits. On the one hand, you can put your camera on an OctoPad to get a beautiful low-angle shot of your subject. On the other hand, you can position a light on an OctoPad to illuminate your subject for a pleasing result.

Getting high-quality portraits is mostly about your skill behind the lens. However, having the appropriate gear certainly helps! With OctoPad in your bag, you’ll have a versatile, functional, compact, and budget-friendly gadget to rely on for the best results.

Portrait Photography Angles: Use Over-the-Shoulder Shots for a Unique View

Photo by Master1305 via Shutterstock

Over-the-shoulder portrait photography angles display a sense of interaction and mystery. For example, if you include someone in the foreground of your photograph, it can give the impression that the photo was candid (even if it wasn’t!). This is an excellent example of lifestyle portrait photography.

Contrarily, you can use over-the-shoulder portrait photography to add mystery and intrigue to your images. People love the unknown and are often super drawn to over-the-shoulder portraits. This portrait photography technique is especially popular in advertising and fashion photography. 

Close Up vs Medium vs Long Shots in Portrait Photography

Photo by Romanchini via Shutterstock

Depending on the story you want to tell, you can use different portrait photography angles, such as close-ups, medium, and long shots. Close-ups usually focus exclusively on the face and are often referred to as headshots in the portrait photography industry. Medium shots typically capture the subject from the waist up, while long shots include the entire body.

Close-ups are all about fine details, and their main goal is to transmit information to the audience by “filling the frame.” Medium shots are the go-to option for many business portraits and school portraits. Lastly, long shots are ideal for group portraits and when you want to include background elements in the frame.

Try Varying Facial Views, Too

Photo by Dean Drobot via Shutterstock

The last simple but effective portrait photography technique to play around with is facial angles. Instead of always shooting your subjects straight on, why don’t you ask them to try some new poses during your next shoot? Some portrait photography angles to try are 3/4 view, profile view, or even completely looking away from the camera.

Profile portraits are often some of the most elegant and attractive photos. One top tip is to shoot profiles from both sides because, more often than not, people are not symmetrical, and one profile will look slightly better than the other. 

More Portrait Photography Tips

Photo by Lordn via Shutterstock

The portrait photography angles covered above are, without a doubt, the most common ones. Therefore, if you want your photos to stand out, you should get used to experimenting with all of them during your photo shoots. Simply by implementing those portrait photography techniques, you will notice day and night improvements!

Finally, as a bonus, here is a list of more tips for portrait photography to consider:

• Invest in the right gear for portrait photography. The OctoPad is our favorite tool, but other essentials include prime lenses, backdrops, and a lighting kit. 
• Find simple, uncluttered backgrounds to avoid distracting the viewer. 
• Focus on the eyes and emotions to boost your visual storytelling. 
• Use the right camera settings for portrait photography (e.g., fast shutter speed, high aperture, autofocus).
• Get to know your models and establish a rapport before working with them.

Heads up: Clicking on our affiliate links and exploring our sponsored content helps us at no extra cost to you, and we only recommend gear we’re absolutely crazy about!

Learn More:

• How to Choose the Perfect Portrait Photography Location
• The Art of Child Portrait Photography

The post A Beginner’s Guide to Portrait Photography Angles appeared first on Photography Talk.

Whether you are a professional portrait photographer or a loving parent who wants to take better photos of your children, this article is for you. In this child portrait photography guide, we’ll share five photography tips to help achieve better results. Now, without further ado, let’s jump right into it!

Check out the video above by Tony & Chelsea Northrup for a quick tutorial on how to photograph kids, babies, and children.  

Table of Contents

• Child Portrait Photography Requires You to Connect With Your Subject
• Choose the Right Location for Child Portrait Photography
• Child Portrait Photography Composition and Posing Tips
• Capture Authentic Moments
• Provide Beautiful Print Options for Child Portrait Photography

Child Portrait Photography Requires You to Connect With Your Subject

Photo by Halfpoint via Shutterstock

Whenever you shoot portraits, you always want to try and connect with your subjects in one way or another to capture successful pictures. That said, connecting with subjects is especially important when working with children. This is because most children are naturally more shy and reserved than adults.

The best way to connect with child subjects is to try and build rapport with them before starting the photo shoot. Children who trust you and feel comfortable around you are likelier to be themselves during the shoot and convey genuine expressions and emotions. Here are a few tips on how to build rapport with children.

• Smile, be friendly, and embrace your inner child.
• Be patient with children and let them be themselves. 
• Ditch your usual pose guide and get silly and creative.
• Always use positive reinforcement with children. 
• Bring props and toys kids can use during the photo shoot. 

Choose the Right Location for Child Portrait Photography

Photo by PeopleImages.com – Yuri A via Shutterstock

Where you shoot child portrait photography will greatly impact the final results. We highly recommend speaking with the parents as much as possible before a photo shoot to know exactly what type of images they want. If you are on the same page as the parents from the get-go, your life will be much easier on photoshoot day. 

The three most common locations for child portraits are natural environments,  photography studios, and indoor spaces. Each one creates a drastically different mood and will affect how you work as a digital storyteller. Let’s examine each one a bit closer. 

Outdoor child portrait photography emphasizes the background and surroundings of children and is ideal for seasonal photo shoots. Studio child portrait photography is more formal and a good option for school and family portraits. Lastly, indoor child portrait photography usually occurs in the child’s home and is good for lifestyle photography and photo cards. 

Child Portrait Photography Composition and Posing Tips

Photo by Africa Studio via Shutterstock

As always, composition plays a key role in child portrait photography. If you don’t compose your portraits well, your clients will be unhappy, and your child photography business will suffer. The easiest way to capture visually appealing portraits is to use the rule of thirds. Simply following this basic principle of composition will instantly improve your results!

Once you’ve mastered the rule of thirds, you can get more creative with composition. Experimenting with photography techniques like filling the frame, leading lines, negative space, and angles/perspectives can lead to gorgeous child portraits. 

Posing for child portrait photography can be tricky, and your approach will vary depending on each child’s age and personality. For example, we often ignore poses entirely with babies and super young children. If you are shooting kids a little older, we will try to organically incorporate poses into the photo shoot every once in a while. Here’s a list of good poses for children.

• Active poses (running, jumping, playing, reading, etc.)
• Laying down on their stomach
• Posing with parents, pets, and props
• Over the shoulder
• Headshots

Capture Authentic Moments

Photo by Volodymyr TVERDOKHLIB via Shutterstock

Now that we have just finished telling you about poses, we want to reemphasize the importance of capturing real, authentic moments in child portrait photography. Part of the fun of working with and photographing kids is their unpredictability, and embracing this spontaneity is a must for all child portrait photographers.

Likewise, you must learn to be patient. No matter how much you plan, things will inevitably change when shooting children. Accepting this, being patient, and going with the flow will lead to better photos and is the only way to avoid going crazy, haha.

Additionally, you must always have your camera ready to shoot. You never know when a child will do something unexpected, and you don’t want to miss the opportunity to capture that candid moment. We suggest adjusting your camera settings for child portrait photography to continuous shooting mode and autofocus.

Provide Beautiful Print Options for Child Portrait Photography

Photo by Alena Ozerova via Shutterstock

Finally, you want to choose a print option that properly does justice to your child portraits. One medium we love is metal prints. They enhance colors and contrast while simultaneously providing unmatched durability, so they will be safe even with little kids running around the house! 

An excellent resource for customizing and ordering metal prints is Large Metal Prints. They are a premium online print shop focusing exclusively on beautiful metal prints. Moreover, their prints come in many shapes and sizes, have different finishes, and are affordable. Check out the links below to browse their most popular photography products.

• Metal Print Only
• Metal Print with Hanger
• Metal Print with Gallery Mount
• Metal Print with Euro Frame
• Metal Print with Shadow Frame

Just so you know, some of the cool stuff we mention comes with affiliate links, meaning we earn a commission if you buy (no extra charge to you!). Plus, we occasionally feature sponsored content, but rest assured, we only shout out products we genuinely stand behind.

Learn More:

• A Beginner’s Guide to Portrait Photography Angles
• 3 Techniques That Will Completely Change Your Portrait Photography

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