People love to take portraits of them. A portrait is a captured likeness of the subject, in this case a person, especially their face. Portrait photography however has deeper connotation than that, being understood as a superior quality image capturing the individual’s physical likeness, their character on a digital or film camera’s sensor. It is also understood that portrait photography produces pleasing and attractive results to the person being the subject.

Character revelation is the focus of portrait photography. At least one element of the subject must be shown on the photo. Elements may include the subject’s attitude, personality, unique mannerisms, and any other traits or features that shape the very unique nature of the person. The portrait photograph tells the viewer something that suggests of the subject’s individuality.

It is often times that a viewer expresses agreeableness that the photographer really captured the subject’s likeness, in which may be referred to as their exact physical likeness. However, what one is consciously saying about them is that the photo reveals something that is very identifiable of the character of the subject. Portrait photography therefore is not mere capturing of the image likeness but arresting the true character deeply formed in the subject; a task that can be challenging as photographers can have subjects they have never known in their life.

So, how do you capture these character traits?

Each individual has unique characteristics, traits, attitudes, and features. However, not all people are the same when it comes to expressing them. There are just some who can easily convey their individual character or trait with immediate transparency. Others, on the other hand, have difficulty in doing the same.

For the portrait photographer, it would be easier to deal with the former type. But for the latter, it will take more work and proficiency to study the true essence of the subject otherwise it can be hard transporting this essence into the portrait.

Having said that portrait photography isn’t only about taking shots but rather it involves studying one’s character, like observing for signals displaying the subject’s mannerisms, expressions, body language, and even reactions. It will take a lot of skill and understanding for the photographer to do that, but such is required to reveal the true character of the subject.

Engaging them into conversation is one way of doing it.

Finding a common ground for a topic can begin the studying of person’s likeness. It can be any subject, so long as the subject is cooperating and opening up. Creating a rapport is also another important way to do it. It easily makes the subject more comfortable at your presence, and therefore makes them more natural looking when you start taking photos of them.

When do you start taking pictures?

You can begin right away once you find the subject is comfortable and relaxed. Starting right away can begin the tension to set in the subject, therefore, making it hard for them to be at ease or settle down just yet. They may look posed in the pictures, but often they can result to a portrait lacking the subject’s true essence.

Rushing portrait photography is never a good idea. And unless, you knew the subject very well and are already comfortable working with you, you can begin right away. In the case of portrait photography, it works best by using your best judgment before executing any shots.

The Essence Of Portrait Photography is a post from: Photography Guide

If you’ve never had kids and wonder why your mom-friends keep showing pictures of their babies to you every chance they get or why they are so obsessed with taking baby portrait photos, the answer is simple. Baby Portrait Photography is a very fascinating and enjoyable leisure!

Mothers and fathers have taken the art of baby portrait photography into their own hands. In fact, if you’re a new parent, I bet you have a camera tucked in your bag all the time. To capture the witnessed unexpected ‘firsts’ or simply, capturing the right moment that candidly presents itself, are sure the ultimate joys of a parent.

Poses at Specific Ages

However, there is also a challenge in taking baby photos; and that is, babies do not know how to pose. The subject is still too unaware of its surroundings or at certain ages, unpredictably active. So it would be helpful if we could be least expecting of their abilities to strike a pose. We know babies can barely hold up their heads or retain a particular position at 0-3 months that’s why we would need to hold them to pose.

Experiment on how the baby could be held but make sure that the focus of the photo would be on the baby and not on any one else. You must find a way to capture only the baby’s profile while being held by another person. There are still limited positions you can capture when you are taking photos of babies between the ages of 3-6 months. The good news is that babies can now hold their heads up so it’ll be much easier to get the face into profile. Costumes and props that are safe for these ages may also be used to liven up the photos.

Babies begin to sit around 6-9 months and this is when you can capture very odd poses from the babies. Since the babies start to become very active, this is the time when you need to master the shutter speed feature of your camera. And from ages 10 months onwards, some babies may be able to recognize that their photos are being taken and might even hold their poses a little longer. Candid photos may do very well during these ages.

10 Things to Keep in Mind about Baby Portrait Photography

1. Make sure that your camera has film all the time and that your batteries are fully charged all the time
2. If you are using a digital camera, it is best to have batteries ready.
3. Familiarize yourself with the use of shutter speeds and camera flashes.
4. Do not be afraid to take ultra-close up photos of your babies.
5. Try shooting at distances and capturing the drama of the scene.
6. If you are going to pose your babies, hold them securely.
7. Your babies need not be dressed in costumes all the time, just make sure they are clean unless you intend to take photos of them wiping chocolates go on their faces which is very adorable too.
8. Try shooting in grayscale. Black & white photos come out very classy and elegant, so if you intend to frame the photos, you will never go wrong with it.
9. Remember that babies can easily get distracted, if you caught your baby doing something very nice, be quick in clicking the camera or you might miss the moment.
10. Get others involved. Have your relatives of family members make coo-coo sounds to make the baby smile or simply talk to the baby to get eye contact.

There is nothing like capturing the essence of a child in a photograph. They grow up so fast so you want to really get every precious moments on film. You will learn simpler baby portrait photography techniques as you go along, and you’ll be proud each time you get a cute little smile recorded for eternity.

Baby Portrait Photography is a post from: Photography Guide