Suggested Reading:
• Portrait Photographer's Handbook by Bill Hurter

• Master Lighting Guide for Portrait Photographers by Christopher Grey

• Portrait and Candid Photography: Photo Workshop by Erin Manning


1. Care!
• Just like all forms of photography, the best photographs come from a passionate photographer – which means, in this case, that as a photographer, you need to be interested in and care about your subject. Even if they are a complete stranger, the best photos will come from genuine care and interest. Capture more than just their face; capture their essence.


2. Location
• Not only will certain perspectives affect the way your subject may look (from low or high or eye-level, etc.), but being in the right locations for the shoot will make or break the photos. The backdrops, especially in scenic areas, will affect the mood of the photo and promote the reception of the subject by the audience. Make sure to align the backdrop to accentuate the subject – this isn't nature photography!


3. Lighting
• Lighting will again make or break your photograph. Since portrait photography is such a mold-able and mood-centered form of photography, changing the lighting will affect how the photograph will come out. A softer light will make a more thought-provoking and glowing interpretation of the subject, while a harder, direct light on the subject will draw all of the attention onto the subject.

• Try experimenting with shadows to generate drama or to produce more interesting photos. Sometimes experimentation with shadows can give you the mood that suits your taste.


4. Lens
• By having the camera too close to the subject, you will accentuate the nose in an unflattering way. To fix this (and please your subject), make sure you are farther away and zoom in. Much of portrait photography is done using a tele-lens, with the subject quite far from the photographer. This method will let you crop the image as you choose and give you freedom to use the backdrop as much or as little as well.

• Also, by being further away, this can often put the subject at ease, where they can be quite uncomfortable with the lens too close to their face. You want the subject to feel comfortable and relaxed, so that you can capture them in their natural behavior!


5. Be Creative
• Portrait photography can be boring without enough creativity. Accentuate the unique characteristics of your subject, match their personality, and don't be afraid to have some fun. Subjects will appreciate a non-stale shoot and may even feel more comfortable with you once you loosen up as a photographer. You'd be surprised with what forms of photographs can come from a creative shoot – whether the shot is candid or not.