Get the most out of portrait pictures using Photography Portrait Tip

If you study travel photographs you will be surprised at how often you can recognize the country, even a particular city, by looking at the people in the shots. This may be something asobvious as a shot of a guard outside Buckingham Palace or a portrait of someone in front of the Eiffel Tower. But other, more ordinary forms of dress can also convey location — especially when combined with architecture. Thanks not only to our own travels but also to television, newspapers and magazines, many parts of the world are now more familiar. Photographs which in the past would have been fascinating glimpses of exotic places are in danger of becoming mere clichés, but adding people to these views can lift them out of the ordinary. Portrait photography doesn’t just have to be the head and shoulders. It can be a full length shot and also included some background.

Portraits of local people

Most local people do not mind having their photographs taken and some, such as uniformed guards, positively expect it. A good Photography Portrait tip is always look out for the unexpected detail that gives the key to the location in you’re portrait pictures. It could be a sign on a door or a detail of a building, even something as mundane as an advertising hoarding. Clothing, as well as the overall lighting of the picture, gives a good idea of the climate of a place.

Think about viewpoint when taking pictures like these. It may be worthwhile to crouch down and taking the shot from below. It will make people look more dominant than if are looking down on them – Consider also whether it is best to have them the centre of the frame or to one side. In the latter case, if you are using autofocus and your camera has an auto exposure lock, first point the camera at the person, semi-depress the shutter release and hold it down to lock the setting, then move the camera the desired position and take your shot.

People at work

When travelling, good shots of people in their working environment can complement scenic pictures and add an extra dimension to a record of a journey. These pictures will often provide a more intimate insight into places visited and show what is special about a particular area. They can be displayed in an album beside pictures of landscapes, buildings and family. Shots of factories or farms which offer tours, waiters serving in a favourite restaurant, or a craft centre with – unusual items —these may all capture the essence of the holiday or trip and serve as a useful reference later on.

If the work that people ate engaged in is very detailed, try to get in close so you can see what they are doing. Remember not to get in their way and so become a nuisance or they may refuse to allow the picture to be taken. If you are indoors and the light is low flash may be needed. Try to bounce it off the ceiling or diffuse it. Nothing is worse than a harsh blast of strong flashlight that burns out the foreground but leaves the background dark and murky. Pay attention to the background, too; does it add something to the shot? Does it provide any information about the work being done, or is it a useful plain backdrop?

Local People

People will add colour to travel pictures, especially when featured in shots presented alongside others concentrating on landscape, architecture or the sea. A series of pictures of the people of a locality can form a portrait of life in that region. To catch the spirit of local activities, go in close so that people are related to their work or environment.

Here at Photography Portrait Tip we hope you’ve enjoyed this article on portrait photography. Why not try one of our other Photography Tips article. Check the menu down the left of this page.