Portrait & Self Portrait Pt 1

Tips

Take a Series of Shots

Switch your camera into 'burst' or 'continuous shooting' mode and fire off more than one shot at a time.

In doing this you create a series of images that could be presented together instead of just one static image.

This technique can work very well when you're photographing children - or really any active subject that is changing position or pose in quick succession.

Play With Backgrounds

The person in your portrait is the main point of interest – however sometimes when you place them into different contexts with different backgrounds you can dramatically alter the mood in a shot.

self portraits tip

A self-portrait doesn't have to be of your face—the image of two hands holding a camera says a lot about the photographer who shot his own portrait. You can also aim the camera down your body from eye level. I once took a photo of my own feet in hiking shoes, handing over the edge of a rocky outcropping in a scenic spot (if you try something like this, just make sure you're in a safe place that you won't fall from). A picture like this will say a lot about your activities and surroundings.

Environmental portrait

I chose this photo because the background and what the girl is wearing really helped tell me that she enjoys swimming. I like how the girl is looking directly into the camera and makes a connection with you.

I chose this photo because I like the background and prop that the subject was given. It shows me that he he's a fisherman or just likes to be on the lake. I also like how he is looking outside of the frame, making you wonder what he could be looking at.


Photography self portrait

 

I picked this picture because it was unique how the whole picture is dark and the only source of light is being held by the subject. Since all you can see is the subjects face, hood, and gloves it make the picture a little eerie.

I picked this picture because I like how the photographer used a mirror and took a picture of his reflection (I'm guessing). His facial expression gives the picture a serious mood.

Casual Portrait

I chose this picture because I really like the scenic background. I also like how the girl is off to the left which follows the rule of thirds.

This picture also follows the rule of thirds because the guy is placed to the right. I chose this because the guy's smiling face makes him look very friendly.

For my portrait assignment I plan to take photos of my friend, Madison, in her backyard. She has a very large and naturistic yard that would make perfect backgrounds and great natural lighting from the sun. I would have her hold up her flute to show the audience that she is in the band. I also have the idea to take photos of her in the gym holding up a basketball because she also enjoys playing basketball. To get good photos I will try to be creative and shoot from unique angles. I will also try to use the aperture to blur out the background like the photos above.