Experiment with a 45-degree angle to produce interesting facial dimensions.
Shooting from a 45-degree angle often results in more dynamic portraits than straight or side angles.
Advantages of 45 Degree Angle:
- Accentuate the subject’s facial structure by showing its natural dimensions.
- Make the face look more proportional, especially if the subject has a certain face shape that you want to emphasize or disguise.
How to try this angle:
- Point the subject to slightly rotate his body so that it is not fully facing the camera.
- Focus on parts of the face that are closer to the camera, such as the eyes and cheekbones.
- Pay attention to the lighting so that the resulting shadows emphasize facial features.
When photographing children, it is important to be at the level of their eyes so that the photo feels more vivid and fun. For example, when taking photos at a birthday party, the photographer must bend over or sit so that the camera is in line with the children’s eyes.
This not only makes the photos more interesting but also helps capture their spontaneous moments and cheerful expressions. In this way, the portrait not only becomes a documentation but also captures the essence of the children’s happiness and cheerfulness.
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3. Background Settings
The background in portrait photography is crucial to determining the visual quality of a photo. A good background can make the subject stand out more, while an irregular background can distract and ruin the composition. Therefore, it is important to manage the background to make the portrait photo look more professional.
Choosing a simple and clean background is essential to keep the viewer’s focus on the subject. Irrelevant elements such as cables or conspicuous furniture can distract attention. An overly crowded background can also make the photo look less professional.
To choose the right background, use plain walls, neutral curtains, or natural scenes such as trees. Make sure the background color contrasts with the subject’s outfit to create visual appeal and pay attention to the lighting so that it doesn’t overwhelm the subject.
Using a Large Aperture (f/2.8 – f/5.6) to Create a Bokeh Effect
Using large apertures such as f/2.8 to f/5.6 is an effective way to achieve the bokeh effect, which is a blurry and soft background. This bokeh effect helps to bring out the subject in the following ways:
- With a wide aperture, only the subject is visible, while the background becomes blurred, so it doesn’t distract from the subject’s face or expression.
- The bokeh effect gives the photo visual depth, making the portrait feel more three-dimensional and interesting.
Practical Tips for Accentuating Subjects and Distracting Elements
To make sure the subject is visible and distracting elements are not visible, consider the following tips:
1. Distance between Subject and Background
Make sure the subject is far enough away from the background. This distance helps create a better blur effect.
2. Use the Right Lighting
Make sure the lighting on the subject is brighter than the background. This can be done by adjusting the position of the light source so that the subject gets direct light.
3. Check the Composition
Before shooting, check the overall composition to make sure there are no elements in the background that could distract from the subject. If necessary, change the position of the camera or subject for best results.
4. Overcoming Lighting and Shadows
Good lighting is essential in portrait photography because it can add dimension, bring out facial details, and create an appropriate atmosphere. However, improper lighting can lead to shadows that are too dark, overexposure, or photos that look flat.
Natural vs Artificial Light
Using natural light in portrait photography has many advantages. Natural light, like sunlight, gives the image a warm and soft feel and creates smoother shadows compared to artificial light. Here are some of the advantages of using natural light:
- Natural light is often more varied and can have a dramatic effect on portraits, especially when taken at specific times such as golden hour (an hour after sunrise or before sunset).
- Using natural light reduces the need for additional lighting equipment, making it more practical and efficient.
- Natural light can create a more organic and engaging atmosphere, making portraits feel more lively.