1) When you look through your lens or at your camera screen, take in everything, and then adjust your lighting.
Look at your main subject. Is your subject squinting, if so have the person move enough so that the light isn’t directly in his/her eyes. Is the subject’s face real dark yet the background really light? If you do not want to use a flash (I try not to when possible; as I prefer the natural outdoor lighting), then do your best to move the subject where there is some sunlight on the face but not directly in the eyes. Always work with the light you have available at that moment. You will be surprised how easy it is to “see the light” and thus put the subject in the best lighting situation possible.
2) Look at everything around and behind your subject and adjust so you have the background you want.
Really look. If you see trash, an ugly sign, or anything you do not like behind the subject move it or walk closer to your subject to get it out of your frame. I almost always find something to dodge or fix before getting that great shot! Also, watch for trees way back in the background coming out of a person’s head. I once took the funniest photo of a young good looking fellow with a shaved head – a distant palm tree was sprouting perfectly out of his head!
Another way to get rid of background ugliness is to shoot vertically, this way you are not taking in a ton of background.
3) Ensure your subject is a little below you, especially females!
Whether male or female, most people will look their best being just a bit lower than you are. Necks tend to look better when you are a bit above the head and not looking up or straight on at the neck. There are 2 key things that can be done:
- Have them sit or lay down to ensure they are a little lower than you
- Get taller by moving onto a step ladder, a chair, a hill, a log, etc.
4) For a more flattering portrait photo, shoot your subject a little at an angle, and encourage good posture.
Let’s face it, not everyone looks like a perfect model, I certainly don’t! So flat-on picture taking is not so flattering with most people. Try taking a photo both ways so later you have a choice, but most of the time you will be happier with the subject at an angle. But there are always exceptions to this rule, just be aware of this.
Another tip is to encourage your subject to sit or stand with good posture; no one looks great slumping.
5) Lastly, ensure your subject feels very comfortable so they are themselves and you can capture who they truly are.
I think this is the most important thing to keep in mind during an individual or group photo session. I have photographed thousands of people in the last 20 years and when they are comfortable and enjoying the photo session I ALWAYS get several if not tons of good shots to choose from later.
And joke around some, make people laugh, everybody likes to have fun. You too will enjoy photography much more when you aren’t too serious and everyone is just having a good time! Just enjoy yourself.
Leave a reply