`Portrait Photography Photo Credit: Natalie Fong`

Need to shoot perfect portraits? We’ve got you! The best thing about this genre of photography is the depth of personal connection and how you can tell a story using only 1 picture. The ability to capture the essence of a person in a single frame is both an art and a skill, requiring an understanding of both technical elements and the subtle nuances of human expression. It’s all about that one perfect moment. To create this perfect moment, you need to set up your space.

Here are our top 3 tips for portrait photography beginners!

Connect with Your Subject

`Photographer talking with model Photo Credit: iStock`

Our favorite thing to do at Slate Studio PVD is breaking the ice. Whenever we have a shoot of any kind, it’s always our top priority to get to know our subject. It takes a lot of courage to be in front of the camera that most people behind it wouldn’t really relate to. Making your subject comfortable by talking about their interests or hobbies always does the trick.

Next thing you want to do is discuss the aesthetic and vibe they want out of this shoot. This helps build rapport and trust between you to make sure you’re on the same page. This will reveal all the right emotions you want to capture in your portrait.

Our favorite portrait photography tip is to play some music to set the mood and evoke all the emotions and expressions you need. Never be too afraid to direct them on how to pose.

The Right Lens

There isn't a single best lens for professional portrait photography, but different focal lengths offer unique advantages depending on the kind of portrait you're aiming for

50mm prime lens, often referred to as the "nifty fifty" for its affordability and versatility, the 50mm focal length replicates the natural perspective of the human eye. This makes it ideal for capturing close-up portraits that look balanced and natural.

85mm prime lens is considered the classic portrait focal length, the 85mm lens offers a slightly tighter view than the 50mm. This allows you to compress the background a bit more, creating a pleasing defocused effect that blurs the background and draws attention to your subject.

35mm prime lens offers a wider focal length than the traditional portrait lenses, the 35mm lens is great for capturing environmental portraits that showcase your subject within their surroundings in case you’re going for a lifestyle shoot.

A 70-200mm zoom lens offers more flexibility in framing, a 70-200mm zoom lens lets you adjust the focal length within the range to capture tighter headshots or full-body portraits while maintaining a good distance from your subject. This can be beneficial for situations where you need more working space or for candid moments.

All in all, the “best” lens depends on your shooting style, budget, and the kind of portraits you want to create. We suggest you try experimenting with different focal lengths to discover your preference!

Find the right Location

`Slate Studio, Rhode Island. Photo Credit: Slate Studio`

The location you choose for your portrait shoot can have a huge impact on the final outcome of your photos. Carefully considering the location can boost your portrait photography from simple snapshots to captivating images that tell a story and showcase your subject in a unique light. Here's why location is important in professional portrait photography:

Setting the Scene and Telling a Story:

The location can set the mood and ambiance of your portrait. A garden can create a tranquil atmosphere, while an industrial backdrop conveys a more edgy vibe. Choose a location that complements the story you want to tell with your portrait depending on the discussed aesthetic. The background can also provide visual context about your subject. Photographing a musician in a recording studio tells a different story than capturing them outdoors.

Technicalities:

Natural light is a crucial element in professional portrait photography. The location you choose should offer the type of light you need. Open shade provides even light, while golden hour offers a warm glow. However, this can be done in a professional studio that provides you adequate lighting and a professional set-up. Again, Consider the background for both aesthetics and functionality. A clean backdrop keeps the focus on your subject, while an interesting background can add depth and context. Busy backgrounds can be distracting, so choose wisely.
The location itself can act as a natural frame for your portrait. Look for doorways, arches, or windows that can frame your subject in an interesting way.

Pro-tip: Consider adding props! Usually professional studios have props to fulfill the vision you need to boost visual interest. Props visually engages the viewer and adds another layer of detail and intrigue to the composition. A simple object like a book or a flower can make the portrait more dynamic.

Lights, Camera, Action!

Now, you’re equipped with the basic 3 steps to get your professional portrait photography career going! It all comes down to your vision and how you can bring it to life. Consider looking for inspo on Pinterest or Behance and don’t forget to add your own unique twist to it.

Looking to shoot amazing portraits in Providence, Rhode Island? Look no further than Slate Studio PVD! Known for our intimate, acoustically-treated video production space, we now offer our expertise to help you out if you need professional headshots and personal branding photos. If you book with Slate Studio for video content, our studio is willing to provide the perfect setting to bring your vision to life. Let Slate Studio turn your moments into lasting memories!

Shooting Portrait Photography in 3 Simple Steps