Tips for Portraits and Self Portraits

 

A portrait is the likeness of a person. Sometimes it is merely a picture of the face revealing the features of an individual. Sometimes, it is more.

 

Those photographic portraits that are thought to be more interesting reveal something of the general personality, style, character, demeanor, manner, mien or air of an individual in addition to the appearance and bearing of the person.

 

Making a portrait of anyone:

 

Consider these in making any photographic portrait:

 

• Compose a nice portrait.
• Pay attention to composition.
• Try to control the background.
• Be careful of sharp lines in the background.
• Make sure the lighting is right.
• You probably will want to use fill flash or light reflectors.
• Get the subject to look at the camera.
• Focus carefully on the person's eyes.
• Bracket your photos as insurance against a good exposure.
• Shoot a variety of shots.

 

Portrait of someone else:

 

A portrait of someone else is a photograph made in an appropriate setting and revealing a person about whom a story could be told. In addition to the considerations listed above for making a portrait of anyone, here are some special considerations when photographing someone else:

 

• You probably will need permission to photograph so plan ahead.
• Discover how to gain access, if necessary.
• Portraits of others involve advance planning so it is difficult to re-shoot.

 

Self portrait:

 

A self portrait is a photograph made in an appropriate setting and revealing yourself. Here are some special considerations when photographing yourself:

 

• Focusing on your own eyes is difficult.
• Have  someone stand in for you for focusing or else set up a prop to focus on.
• You may wish to use a mirror and shoot a reflection of your scene.
• Be careful with your focus on the spot where your eyes will be.
• If the light is low, you may be shooting with a wide-open shutter so your depth of field will be shallow.
• Be expressive.
• Give information about yourself.
• While an environmental portrait is okay, it is not necessary to see much of the environment.
• If possible, use a tripod with self-timer or else a long cable release you can control.
• Longer exposures will work if you use a tripod.