How To Get Terrific Close Up Shots in Portrait Photography
A fine art element makes all the difference when it comes to getting a great close-up portrait. It elevates it from mere headshot status.
There are plenty of things you can do to make your closeups come closer to resembling fine art. Here are a few ideas.
Use Makeup or Paint
You know that famous picture of David Bowie as Aladdin Sane? The one where he has the lightning strip across his face? Without the makeup, that would be just another picture of David Bowie. Think along these lines when adding makeup or paint to make your photos iconic.
Add Stunning Accessories
You may think you’re limited in the accessories you can add to a closeup, but when you get creative, the sky is the limit. You can add a glorious hat and makeup elements like gems and false eyelashes. If your model has piercings, unique ones can set the photo apart. You may also want to decorate the hands with fancy rings and extended nails. Have your model bring them up to their face to create a stunning image.
Use a Zoom Lens
The wrong type of lens, such as a wide angle will make a close-up photo look distorted. For best results, use a zoom instead.
Use a Large Aperture
A large aperture of around f/1.4 will limit the camera’s ability to focus. It will soften the look of the photo making for a dreamy, romantic portrait.
Use Soft Natural Light
Soft natural light will have a dreamy effect similar to a large aperture setting. If you direct the light in the right way, you will add mystery and depth to the photo and shape to your model’s face. The best way to do this is to place your subject directly in front of a source of natural light such as a door or window. Have them sit next to the light source without facing it completely. This should light one side of the face and naturally fade out the other making for a beautiful transition.
Create Lighting Patterns
A closeup will look more interesting if you integrate custom shadows. To achieve the look, stand your model next to a bright sunlight source with an object that blocks it from directly hitting their face. A perfect example is a blind in front of a window. The blind will interfere with the light causing patterns to appear on your model’s face making your photo look unique.
Use Foregrounds
Foregrounds can make your photos look more striking. All you need to achieve this effect is an object to use in the foreground and a large aperture. The larger the aperture, the blurrier your photo will look. Semi-transparent objects like pieces of glass and string lights will be ideal for these types of shots. You can hold them in front of the lens or in front of your model’s face to add depth to your photo.
Experiment with Cropping
Cropping techniques can be integrated during the editing process. You can use them to crop out half your subject’s face or the top or bottom of their face. This will result in an abstract image that’s simply stunning.
If you are taking close-up shots, you’ll want to do all your can to set them apart. The tips in this article will help you say goodbye to ho-hum looks and hello to unique and stunning images. How will you be achieving the aesthetic you are going for?
