10 tips for a better portrait.
What makes a great portrait?
Lighting, subject and location are all important elements, but to me, emotion is more important than anything else. It’s all in the eyes and everything else is secondary. I like to try and see the real person in the photo. I like to talk with the subject before we start shooting and watch their face and how they smile. I listen to them and look at their eyes. It’s not easy to get to know someone in a few moments, but if I can put them at ease before putting them in front of the camera, they’re more likely to open up and trust that I’m there to help. I want them to feel respected and I want to show them at their best. For me, it’s about getting a person to show themselves, rather than trying to get them to re-enact the photo I have in my mind.
For the last few years when shooting portraits and headshots, I’ve been shooting tethered to a computer and reviewing on-set with the subject whenever possible. I love doing this, because it’s collaborative and the subject gets to give immediate feedback on their photos. It’s enlightening too to see which photos the subject likes best and talk about it. If we see something we want to change or build on, we can shoot more and make sure we have photos they feel great about.
10 tips for your next portrait.
Lean into the camera.
Put your chin down.
Smile your smile (with or without teeth).
Be yourself.
Turn slightly.
Try to have fun.
Trust your photographer. Tell them if there are things that you are self-conscious about. They want to help.
Wear clothes that fit well, make you feel confident and comfortable, and avoid wearing distracting patterns.
Get some sleep the night before.
Think about someone you love. (This one has given me the best results of any tip ever.)
Here’s a collection of health care environmental portraits shot with Brand Wise at senior living facilities in Tennessee, Georgia and Massachusetts.
