Digital Photography Hub

Portrait photography is one of the most popular types of photography, and if you are a professional photographer, it is the number one way to make money in your trade. People love to have pictures taken of their families, friends and coworkers to have as mementos, but the old fashioned portrait is losing its novelty. To make your portrait photo taking more interesting, why not use one of the following five unique ideas?  These ideas present fun and different ways to photograph a person and show their personality. Using these tricks will surely impress your family and friends (if you are an amateur photographer) or your clients (if you are a professional photographer). Ready…set…shoot!

In most photography, backlighting and side lighting is to be avoided. But using one of these unique lighting situations could make for a very interesting portrait shot. With backlighting, your subject will appear as a silhouette. With side lighting, only certain facial features will be highlighted. Drawing attention to particular features creates a dramatic effect.

Figure 1 An example of backlighting.

Figure 2 An example of side lighting.

Almost all portraits show the subject staring directly at the camera. If you have only one subject, have them turn their head and look to their right or left. Or take the photo from the side and have them stare straight ahead. If you have two subjects in one shot, have them look at one another. This works particularly well in engagement or wedding photography.

Figure 3 Photo of Ansel Adams. An example of no eye contact with the camera.

3. Different perspective: Crouch down low or stand above your subject. Or have your subject sit on the floor while you lay on the ground to take the shot.You can even have them stand while you turn your camera at an angle. A different perspective can create a fun shot that is full of life.

Figure 4  An example of changing the perspective by shooting at an angle.

4. Be candid: Show your subject in their most candid element by photographing them while they are performing a hobby or something they enjoy. For example, if your son plays the guitar, photograph him strumming a song. If your client loves to ride bikes, photograph them with their bicycle. These types of portraits are truly the most memorable and heartwarming.

Figure 5 An example of a candid shot.

5. Show movement: Have your subject stand still on a busy street while people or cars are rushing by. The shot should show your subject in clear focus with the streaks of movement from the people or cars surrounding them. This creates an energetic and dramatic shot.

Figure 6 An example of movement.

Best photography to you and yours!

Lauren Phillips has been a professional event photographer for 16 years and also owns the site http://www.photographydegrees.org/. She likes to write articles about everything photography.