Need A Tip

vandecarr

I had someone ask me if I could give them the single most important tip, in my opinion, for turning out the best possible portraits?

This gave me an idea.

It would be great if each of us would post ONLY ONE TIP, that we consider very important when photographing for portraits.

I'm looking at this very optimistic and hope to learn something too.

Please post only the one tip you think of as very important that is not already listed.


I'll start....

Build rapport with whoever you are photographing so they feel
more relaxed and comfortable during the shoot.

Looking forward to hearing from you,
Mike V

Swartzy

Here's mine
Focus on the eyes

SloYerRoll

Make sure to stay a good distance from the background.
(5+ feet)

HeldDown

Don't think you have the photo if you haven't engaged your subject.

JESTER

Study others work (Yuri Pautov, for example) to learn poses, what to do with the hands, etc.

pathfinder

Learn to see the light and the shadows, and to understand how they will appear in the image.

LiquidAir

Decide in advance what aspect of your subject you want to capture and choose the pose, setting and light appropriately.