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Improving your portrait shots is a matter of several different factors that you have the ability to completely control. These include:

1. The Backdrop : Although a portrait encompasses the image of a person’s face, the photographic backdrop does matter. It’s important not to have a backdrop that is so loud or busy that it interferes with or overshadows the appreciation for the subject. Typically, a simple clean white seamless photographic backdrop is perfect for portraits but in some cases, the background can be used to subtly enhance a portrait and draw out their personality in the image.

Photo : Christopher Seufert

As an example, adding books to the photo backdrop of a portrait of a lawyer can enhance the portrait. The background however doesn’t have to be as detailed or focused as the subject. Instead, background items are more effective when you use them subtly by blurring them or decreasing the intensity of light shining on them. You can do this by shooting your portrait with a zoom lens and taking the image fairly close to the subject. You can also choose to take the image using manual mode and a wide aperture. If you don’t have the ability to use these techniques, you can also edit them into the image using software on your computer in post-processing.

2. Using Light: Natural light is the best kind of lighting for portraits, because it naturally enhances skin tones and colors. Unfortunately, shooting portraits outdoors can also be a challenge because you don’t have control over the light. Don’t let your subject and the sun sit in a straight line, with one in front of the other, which can lead to blown out highlights or dark shadow casts. In addition, avoid shooting during midday, when the sun is at its highest. The best way to use natural light for a portrait is to have the sun fall on one side of your subject and use reflectors or fill flash to adjust the direction and intensity.

3. The Aperture: Opening up the aperture will cause the background to be blurred and closing an aperture will bring the background into better focus. Generally, portraits are best with an aperture of f/2.0 to 5.0.

4. Focusing: The point of focus of any portrait is the eyes of your subject. Regardless of the expression on your subject, your goal as a photographer is to get the best possible shot of their eyes.

5. Posing and Using Angles: A head-on shot of a model looking and sitting straight ahead, is boring. Instead, invite your subject to smile and move their head and chin in a variety of positions to capture a unique angle.

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