Tips for Taking Portraits

Tips for Taking

PortraitsPhotojournalism

Before taking portraits, pay attention to these tips for improving your final

Tip #1: Location, location, location

The background of a portrait is just as important as your subject in communicating what this person is like

Tip #2: Help your subject relaxBe friendly and prepared so that your subject is at ease. Also, be prepared to

wait until your subject becomes more comfortable with your presence.

Tip #3: Use color intentionallyColor helps to communicate mood. A photo with bright colors says

something completely different than one with muted tones.

Tip #4: Don’t be afraid to shoot tight

Sometimes, an extreme close-up of an individual is just as powerful as capturing the person’s environment or background

Tip #5: Consider propsWhat would this person normally be holding or doing? Giving them a prop or

a task may make the photo more natural.

Tip #6: Pay attention to background

Check your photos frequently to be sure the background is intentional and not distracting or too busy.

Tip #7: Play with lightJust like with color, the amount of light in a photo says something.

Use it to communicate an intentional message.

Sample photos

Evaluate these portraits and the techniques the photographers used for taking portraits

Bushra Ghafoor, R.B. Hayes High School

The Pix Yearbook - Little Rock, Arkansas

Peri Kincaid - Westlake High School

Whitney High School Publications

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