Tips & Tricks

Getting Creative with Portrait Photography

September 1, 2023

Getting Creative with Portrait Photography

When you think of portrait photography, the standard head and shoulders shot with a slightly tilted chin probably comes to mind. While there is a place for more formal portraits, adding a little creative flair can change up your images and give you amazing results.

Here are a few subtle ways that you can really turn your portrait photography around.

Forget Eye-Level

There is no rule that says a portrait always needs to be taken at eye-level. Have your photo shot from above to give your portrait a more artistic flair.

Lose the Eye Contact

While a subject making direct eye contact with the camera does create a connection with the person viewing the photo, there are other options such as having the subject focus on something unseen to bring an element of mystery and intrigue to the shot.

Bring in a Prop

Using a prop in a shot helps tell a story, brings in some color or just adds some general visual interest. It’s important that you keep the prop simple though so that you aren’t diverting the attention off the main subject of the photo.

Experiment with Lighting

Try taking photos around a shutter or doorway where you can play with natural light. Another option is to play with shadows or even brightly colored lights. Again, it’s important not to detract from the person in the photo if you will be using dramatic lighting.

Play with Backgrounds

Adjusting something as obvious as the background can make all the difference to a portrait shot. Backgrounds of different colors or even different textures can all be used. If patterns are used however, make sure that they aren’t too busy.

Once you start getting creative with portrait photography, it’ll be hard to take a plain portrait shot again.  

Comments +

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

about costola

meet andie

At home near the sea. Ever-focused on beauty and the thrilling art of creation; found in the moments that leave me breathless and in awe. 

After 15 years of capturing couples and families during the most precious times of their lives, she can truly say that this is exactly where she is meant to be. When she isn't photographing weddings, Andie enjoys the outdoors alongside her husband, Tony and daughters, Ava & Audrey.

FROM THE BLOG

THE LATEST

CENTRAL PARK Engagement

National Portrait Gallery Wedding

private estate wedding

Eastern Shore family Session

five

         tips for a stress free session

Portrait Sessions can be stressful, but if you arrive with a few tricks in your bag, you’ll come away with portraits that perfectly capture what family is all about.

WP to LinkedIn Auto Publish Powered By : XYZScripts.com