Photography and portraiture are the ideal marriage, at least as long as they coexist peacefully within the boundaries of the frame.
The poses, looks, gestures and sensations that these kinds of photographs are able to transmit are easily threatened by carelessness or mistakes that can end this exciting coexistence.
- The problem arises when.
- More confident in taking the final photo that you have in mind.
- You forget some details that may end up leading to the divorce of this magnificent union.
That’s why, in today’s article, I’ve prepared a list of the most common mistakes in portrait photography so that the next time you prepare to take them, don’t get rid of this beautiful relationship.
Pay attention to the following mistakes so as not to make them in the near future and note the importance of not doing so, enjoying the beautiful photographs that have successfully surpassed them:
1.Ignore the backgrounds: no matter how professional your model is and the spectacular poses it does for you if an element of framing takes the lead away from you.Losing the background of your portraits can be a big mistake.Try to minimize or remove from the Framing all the elements that may distract the viewer from its protagonist, the more the contrast the model with the background, the more attention will be paid to it.Try using large (more blurry) openings or smooth or smooth backgrounds.
2.Simply focus on the photos: In portrait photography, the interaction between the model and the photographer is everything, even more than the resulting photos. If you can’t connect with your model, your portraits will suffer. It is very important that you strive to make your models feel comfortable, calm and confident.If you find your model a little tense, try talking to her and giving her confidence, or bring her an object or something she can interact with to make her feel calmer and “Forgot?”that you’re here to represent him. This way, your photos will not only be more natural, but the experience of working with you will be more enjoyable.
3.Network work with colors: Colors are another important compostable that you can’t ignore when working with your models, these can help your model gain strength or, if you forget them, lose it.Use colors to contrast your model and highlight If you’re taking your photos in a park, try contrasting the green lawn with blue tones or, if you want it to get lost among them, try putting on a green dress to highlight a particular feature, its appearance, etc.Take the test, the results will surprise you.
4.Break the rules: while the rule of thirds is a rule that must be broken, in portrait photography it may be better to leave it intact.Placing your model in the center of the frame will remove the expression and surprise from the photo.at the most attractive points of framing to enhance the sensations it transmits in each of its poses.Breaking the rules is an art, but respecting them is also an art.
5.Net cuts off your head: don’t worry about not going to jail, a very effective way to generate tension in your portraits is to cut off part of your head, letting attention focus on the most striking aspects of your face.. Cut slightly above your forehead and focus on your eyes.Well done, start cutting off heads.
6.Lack of detail: in a portrait photograph, the entire model does not always have to appear in the frame, because some details deserve to focus on it, approaching your model, using a very close-up or detailed plane, you will be able to focus your attention on this eye-catching and characteristic element of your subject, be it his lips, nose or eyes , or any other functionality that deserves to be described.Of course, be careful not to add items that distract the view or add nothing to the photo.Keep it simple.
7.Make them blind: direct light in the eyes is very annoying so try at all costs not to blind your models, whether with the use of flash, projector or reflector, make sure that the light does not force you to squint because this way you will not be able to be comfortable and look natural.If you still can’t control your flash, don’t worry, here’s “Everything you need to know about the flash for portrait photography”.If it is true that the more light, the better, it is not always like this, the important thing is to use the light you need to be able to take the shots that you have in mind.
8.Net focus the look: the look of the model acts as a magnet for the viewer so, if it is not fully concentrated, it can spoil your shots, keep in mind that the eye focuses its attention on these objects or developed subjects and while it is true that it is not always necessary for the eyes to come out completely clear , especially if you try to direct the viewer’s gaze to another point such as the model’s mouth, if the look is visible, it will directly attract the viewer’s attention.Viewer. The gaze conveys many sensations so I can help you not spoil them. Pay special attention to this small detail, especially when working with a very little depth of field (very large openings: f /1.4, f / 1.8, etc..).
9.Net seeks perfection: if some of the cliché has not convinced you, do not let it go because, in portrait photography, this detail can make a difference, either a lock of hair on your model’s face or an out-of-place background detail, try to correct it, but without cutting the dynamics of the photo or interrupting the pattern.Everything has to look natural, even mistakes.
10.Change of net perspective: although it is very common, when using a certain plane, to level the protagonist’s eyes, this does not mean that you can get a little out of the script and encourage you to change perspective in your compositions Go ahead, you will see that the results are surprising and unusual!
11.Constantly review photos: constantly reviewing the result of the photos will not only remove the dynamism of the session, but also give the feeling that you are not quite sure to do your job, make a correct measurement and exposure and check the frame with a first test photo (explain to the model that this photo is a test photo) , check the photo to see that everything is well adjusted, but get out of the bad habit of doing it constantly, avoid any kind of practice that underscores the dynamism of the portrait photography session because the more dynamic your sessions are, the better the inspiration for both parties: the model and yourself.Avoid any obstacles that may interrupt it.
12.Represent only your body (and not your essence): Portrait photography is not limited to the representation of faces or model curves, but quite the opposite.The portraits that have the most impact are those that manage to capture and transmit the essence of the person photographed.The direction of the look, the expression of his face and his gestures, the position of his arms, the opening of his mouth, the hairstyle, etc.There are many elements that will help you highlight the feelings and messages that your portraits implicitly owe.Transmit. After all, photo without a message is just an image.There are many ways to capture emotions, here are some: “Tips for filling a photo of emotion.”
13. No buscar inspiración: no buscar inspiración antes de una sesión de fotos es como salir a correr sin hacer el calentamiento previo. La inspiración para un fotógrafo de retrato es tan importante como su capacidad para improvisar, de hecho, es una excelente forma para potenciar la imaginación y para permitirte trabajar libremente: cuanto mayor tiempo planees tus tomas y lo que buscas con ellas, mayor tiempo podrás dedicarle a lo que mejor sabes: tomar fotos. Busca referencias acerca de cómo otros fotógrafos han realizado el mismo o un trabajo similar al que estas por comenzar tú. La búsqueda de inspiración es la parte más importante de la preparación, no la pases por alto.
14. Ser solo el fotógrafo: tú trabajo como retratista no se limita a oprimir solo el disparador de tu cámara sino que va mucho más allá, debes de convertirte en el director de toda la escena. Toma las riendas de la producción y preocúpate por sacar lo mejor de todas las personas que tengas a tu alrededor. Mantener un ambiente cómodo y agradable a la hora de trabajar aumentará las posibilidades de que el resultado final sea un éxito.
15.Net be yourself: the worst thing you can do as a photographer is to stop being yourself, no matter how many tips, tricks and techniques you acquire, how many other colleagues you study, how many books you read or how many photos you took, if after all you don’t think your fingerprint was captured in your photos.Dare to exploit the most remote places of your imagination and let your creativity emerge.Don’t be afraid, experiment, try, spoil photos, but never stop having fun.You’re an amazing photographer, you just have to realize.
If you never cease to be yourself, photography and wedding portrait, you will have got your beloved godfather!
If you liked today’s article, don’t stop sharing and commenting on it.