Posted 01 April 2022. 4:04am
Close-ups, posing to the waist, experimenting with decorative props – there are many ideas for professional shooting. We will tell you how to organize a portrait photo session – and these tips will be useful for both photographers and models. What is portrait photography and why is it needed? In this genre, there is only […]
Close-ups, posing to the waist, experimenting with decorative props – there are many ideas for professional shooting. We will tell you how to organize a portrait photo session – and these tips will be useful for both photographers and models.
In this genre, there is only one person in the pictures, and close-ups prevail in the frame. Portrait photography is a type of artistic photography where all attention is focused on the face of the model. Such pictures are taken for commercial purposes (for advertising or magazine cover) and for personal archives.
Without portrait photos, a portfolio of makeup artists and hairdressers is unthinkable. Filming in this genre is often carried out by professional bloggers. Some believe that the emphasis on the image (make-up, hairstyle, accessories) and props is no longer a feature of a portrait photo, but of a fashion photo. But if the model dreams of non-standard and beautiful shots, decor is indispensable.
Let’s start with the most difficult – with work in a photo studio. Here the photographer will need special equipment:
Umbrellas, soft reflectors, light discs and softboxes are designed to evenly scatter electric light. Typically, this equipment is not included in the rental of a photo studio: the maximum that is provided when shooting is light sources and a photophone. There are many ways to adjust lighting when shooting indoor portraits. We share 5 of the most popular of them.
This device is more often used in beauty salons when you need to photograph the work of the master. The reduced size ring lamp is used by bloggers. However, for professional photography, it is preferable to use other equipment.
If the picture is dominated by cold tones or the photo was taken in cloudy weather, it is recommended not to focus on warm tones. On the contrary, photographers advise to increase the emphasis on cold colors when color grading. If the image is dominated by warm shades, the photo should also be “cooled”.
To do this, redness is removed from the skin, the brightness of the entire image is increased. In the “Selective color” function, the value of all warm shades is reduced. These techniques will give the portrait greater contrast. When editing, you need to create several layers that are superimposed on the original. Each layer performs its own function – enhances contrast, applies a filter of a certain shade, retouches the skin.
Before choosing good angles, start by removing stiffness in facial expressions. To do this, professional photographers advise taking a deep breath to relax the muscles of the face, and, if possible, doing express gymnastics. This will help to pose for a portrait photo at ease. Don’t open your eyes too wide, but don’t squint too much either.
The lips can be slightly opened: the mouth will not be tensely compressed. If there is no desire to smile in the frame, do not force yourself. Avoid unnatural grimaces with pouted lips. These tips from a YouTuber will help you prepare for your first portrait shoot, especially if you’re not used to posing for the camera. The author shares interesting life hacks on how to relax your face while maintaining natural facial expressions in the frame.
Looking straight ahead is not always a good idea. However, for this angle there are successful exceptions that require good preparation from the model and creativity from the photographer.
If you’re looking to the side, don’t look too far away! Otherwise, the whites of the eyes will be mainly visible in the frame, which looks completely unattractive. If you do not want to pose in front, turn your face halfway. When you turn your profile into the lens, make sure that the line of the nose is not interrupted by a fragment of the other cheek.
Even if you have chosen a discreet look, keep in mind: the make-up should be more saturated. This is due to the fact that in the frame the brightness of cosmetics decreases by about a third. Another important rule is to avoid liquid textures, which in the light of spotlights or under the sun can float, and a greasy sheen will appear on the face. Mattifying primers and loose powder will help to avoid this.
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