A Few Tips on Shooting Portraits

It is flattering when trusted people trust us to take their portrait shots. Photographers have great responsibility also like Jedi masters and superheroes(not to save the planet), but to make sure the portraits describe the subject the way they want to appear better than words could ever describe them.

Robin Dada is an esteemed professor and assistant dean in the Zayed University and it was our honor to be asked to take her portrait. She wanted us to take her professional portrait and a few photos with her son. Here are some notes we want to share from our portrait session with Robin:

1. We ask clients whether they want a studio or set up or they want a different background for their photographs. Most of them who want to have portraits taken at the comfort of their homes would opt for the studio set up. So in choosing the color, keep in mind what color of clothes they are wearing. We first put on the black but since she was wearing black, we decided to change the color. I think this is much better that black. Don’t you?
2. For professional headshots, face should be well lit but not in “flash-in-your-face” light. You may have some shadows but you have to soften them with a fill light.
3. One of the flattering poses is the angled pose. Most of our clients want to appear thinner in pictures to we advise them not face the camera head on like when you are having your passport ID taken.
4. Do not stick to your studio set up if you can find a good area where you can take the photo. In this case, we thought the stairs helped create interest.
5. You can also have your subject sitting. Take note though of how your subject sits so to avoid the suit being scrunched up. It is your job to coach your subject on how to pose. Stomach in, chest out, chin up and relax. 🙂 
6. Who says you cannot use natural light? We love how the tiny American flag was framed with the subject. It made her look like she was working in the White House or something.
7. Group shots can be awkward unless you are shooting lovers because they have no problems in hugging or posing so close to each other. The usual pose is not as close enough for photographs. Try to avoid negative space in between subjects when having a group shot. Lighting should also be balanced. One subject should not appear darker than the other. 

Hope this tips were helpful. If you have comments and suggestions, please feel free to leave a note below. We appreciate any additional tips! We now leave you with a creative shot of the shooter. 🙂