These days, when you want to capture a moment, all you have to do is take out your smartphone. The smartphone has evolved from a communication tool to a device that records and share memories.
Portrait photography is the art of capturing the character of your subject. It is a combination of the right technique and capturing the right expression.
When you see professionals do portrait shots, they need a lot of lighting options, backdrops, angles, compositions, and poses. But what about mobile photography?
Here is a list of techniques and tips that will help you capture better portraits with your smartphone.
Focus on the eyes
You know what they say – the eyes are the windows to your soul. In capturing portraits, it helps to focus on the eyes. The sharpness should be in the eyes. Some poses and angles somehow make it difficult to concentfrate the sharpness in both eyes. In cases like this, focus on the eye that is closest to you.
Get good lighting
The best portraits are done outdoors where there is an abundance of natural light. But you have to make sure that you are not shooting in direct sunlight. This causes harsh shadows on your photo and will even cause your subject to squint. The best time to shoot portraits outdoors is during mornings, late afternoons, or the golden hour when the sun sets. If you want to shoot at night, you have to make sure you are working with a superior camera phone with great performance and settings such as the HUAWEI camera kit.
Take candid shots
The best portrait photos are often not scripted. Subjects can often feel uncomfortable and conscious when you ask them to pose. The emotions you get to capture during candid photos are also more genuine. Captured expressions and emotions are always better than fake smiles and blank looks in portraits.
Be conscious of the background
Although your focus should be on the subject in portraits, you should be conscious of the background. A busy background can easily take attention away from the subject. You can always blur the background to place more emphasis on your subject. You can also use a background that will frame your subject such as foliage or a doorway.
Experiment with filters and color palettes
Adding more colors to your portraits can add to its appeal. Filters and palettes can complement the clothing of your subject, any props used, and even the background. For instance, casual and family portraits are best with greens or warm hues. Formal and business portraits would be more impressive in shades of dark blues and dark grays. Of course, the colors you choose should complement the skin tone of your subject.
Change positions as you shoot
The position of the camera matters in the total outcome of the picture. It helps to capture a series of shots as you move around. You will be surprised how much an image changes when shot from different angles. For close-up portraits, it is always best to shoot down to your subject than shooting up. Shooting with the camera above is more flattering for the face.
