Using the basics of
composition - the arrangement of the visual elements in an image - for
portraits can make the all the difference between a stylish image and a plain
snapshot. There are lots of great tips for composing portraits, and here are my
favorites because I think they pack the most punch:
1.
Don't forget the Rule of
Thirds - Lining up the main elements of the image at the horizontal and/or
vertical 1/3 of the image often makes an image look more striking because it is
asymmetric. For portraits that meaning putting faces or eyes 1/3 of the
way into the image rather than centering the subject(s). Another tip is that if the subject is looking
away from the lens, leave room in the direction the subject is looking or
facing.
2.
Don't forget the Rule of
Odds - Having an odd number of objects is more interesting to the brain, again
because it is asymmetric. If you're
working with an even number of subjects, try arranging them in a asymmetric
way.
3.
Crop in the middle of joints - This means you don't want the joints of the body on or too near the edge of the image. For
example, put the edge between the shoulder and the elbow, or between the hip
and the knee.
4.
Go for Eyes - Eyes are
the windows to the soul, so don't settle for an eye and a half. Capture
all of two eyes, or go for a profile showing just one eye - but if part of an
eye is blocked by the nose you often lose the full emotive potential of the
face.
5. Height - Try composing from
slightly above the subject's nostrils for flattering faces - this avoids
emphasizing double chins and nose hair!
Hope these tips help you capture better portraits, I'd love to hear about your experiences!
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