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What is a portrait? - part 2 of 1 2 3

by Rick Friedman Published 01/12/2016

Learn as much as you can about the person you are photographing and what they do and know what your story is. This all helps make the shoot flow and your subject relax. If you are photographing politicians and celebrities, they usually know how to pose. Most other people, it’s up to us to get them to open up to the camera.

I find being able to talk to them about their interests and their lives, goes a long way towards drawing out your subjects and helping you get the photograph.

Pay attention to your subject, how they move, their gestures and how they interact with their environment. When arriving, pay attention to the environment your subject is surrounded by. Choose the part of their environment that lends itself as a background and adds to the story. Look at the different spaces that might be a background. Look at the furnishing and what is on the walls. Maybe outside is a better background to add to your story.

These are visual keys that can contribute to your photography. Be resourceful with surroundings and knowledge of the location.

I use lighting and colours to bring drama to my photography.

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1st Published 01/12/2016
last update 09/12/2022 14:58:04

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