It is the portrait that brings together families and helps to celebrate achievements. This article explores what it takes to become a portrait photographer.
Instructions
1. Learn your craft. Find a good photography training school and enroll. Just like any other craft, you want to lean as much as you can about your chosen profession. Not only do you want to hone your photography skills but you also need to learn run your business.
2. Know your tools. Your tools of trade are your cameras, films, lens, filters, lighting, meters to measure light and backgrounds just to name the basics. It is your job to know the capabilities of each camera, lens, or film, and know when to use them.
3. Search out the soul. When becoming a portrait photographer you must have the ability to look deep. It is not enough to just point, shoot, and be paid. Developing the talent to look for and find the personality of each individual, and shoot him or her in a way that conveys that personality on film, will lead you to success.
4. Face the light. One of the most important skills you need to master before taking portraits professionally is lighting, and the placement of lighting on the face. In portraits, soft lighting is preferred; therefore experiment with various natural and artificial lighting techniques.
5. Pose the subject. Knowing what poses works best with different subjects will work to your advantage. Hand placement that minimizes the size of the subject’s hands not only looks more attractive, but also are the ones most favored by the purchaser. Leg positioning merits careful attention; be conscious of posing in a way that makes them look interesting.
6. Love what you do. Throw yourself into your work. Never stop learning, experimenting, and trying new techniques. Keep your work fresh, and live to take the next portrait and it will show in your work.
