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Creating a Portrait a Few Hints and Tips - part 4 of 1 2 3 4

Published 01/07/1997

People together

The key to successful group portraits is body position. Plan in advance how to position the bodies, so that the head come into contact with each other easily. Begin with your subject's bodies slightly apart from each other. Then you can lean them in towards each other so that the heads make contact, before the bodies get in the way. Adjust the height of your subjects so that two people do not have their heads together at the same height. A guideline is to have the higher persons mouth at the level of the lower persons eyes. Keep their heads facing towards the light source at the same angle it will be easier to light both sets of eyes.

Clothing

Colours in a portrait, especially colours of clothes should be subtle. When photographing a family portrait, suggest that they pick a colour scheme of cool tones or warm tones. Light or dark do not mix them. Ask them to wear long sleeves as short sleeves take the attention away from the face.

Expression

This is the main thing that really matters. After you have done all the posing and lighting, if you do not get a good expression, then all is lost. Watch the smile carefully some people smile with their lips together. Most people, have an awkward posed appearance when they fake a smile.

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1st Published 01/07/1997
last update 09/12/2022 14:58:02

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Creating a Portrait a Few Hints and Tips - part 4 of 1 2 3 4