Tips for Taking

PortraitsPhotojournalism

Before taking portraits, pay attention to these tips for improving your final

image

Tip #1: Location, location, location

The background of a portrait is just as important as your subject in communicating what this person is like

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Tip #2: Help your subject relaxBe friendly and prepared so that your subject is at ease. Also, be prepared to

wait until your subject becomes more comfortable with your presence.

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Tip #3: Use color intentionallyColor helps to communicate mood. A photo with bright colors says

something completely different than one with muted tones.

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Tip #4: Don’t be afraid to shoot tight

Sometimes, an extreme close-up of an individual is just as powerful as capturing the person’s environment or background

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Tip #5: Consider propsWhat would this person normally be holding or doing? Giving them a prop or

a task may make the photo more natural.

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Tip #6: Pay attention to background

Check your photos frequently to be sure the background is intentional and not distracting or too busy.

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Tip #7: Play with lightJust like with color, the amount of light in a photo says something.

Use it to communicate an intentional message.

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Sample photos

Evaluate these portraits and the techniques the photographers used for taking portraits

Bushra Ghafoor, R.B. Hayes High School

The Pix Yearbook - Little Rock, Arkansas

The Pix Yearbook - Little Rock, Arkansas

The Pix Yearbook - Little Rock, Arkansas

The Pix Yearbook - Little Rock, Arkansas

The Pix Yearbook - Little Rock, Arkansas

The Pix Yearbook - Little Rock, Arkansas

The Pix Yearbook - Little Rock, Arkansas

Peri Kincaid - Westlake High School

Whitney High School Publications