As a photographer you will be competing with millions of other photographers. How many of us take the time to really reflect on the imagery we are bombarded with everyday?

Imagine you have a blank frame, its easier to close your eyes for this one to avoid distractions!

Now imagine that you have taken a portrait of a person of interest, say, a footballer, baseball player or perhaps a movie star. Are they sitting down or they standing? Where are they looking? How are their eyes expressing themselves? Do they look happy or sad? 

Sometimes taking a step back and switching off, and going within you,  will help you to find what really resonates with you. And what you would like to capture with your photography. 

Whoever you may be photographing, whether it's a bride and groom or a model, for your photo to stand out, you will need to be aware of what you would like to create before you even pick up the camera. 

The advantage of working with a professional model is that when you communicate with them what you are looking for, they will flow with effortless ease into that state. No doubt, someone who has been before a camera thousands of times, will by experience, allow you to create and capture some dynamic images. 

Next comes lighting. 

Having some basic knowledge of studio lighting can help you to create some well lit images but often distractions abound in such scenarios. And if there is one approach to lighting that perhaps is the best it would certainly be the simplest. 

How many times have you been amazed by a portrait taken with a singular light source, up high, directed downward towards the subject. Or perhaps even natural light pouring in through the window illuminating just enough to really emphasize those cheekbones? 

As you can see through these images, shooting portraits requires motion! It’s not about simply dropping someone in one position and shooting directly at them. Feel your surroundings and communicate how you would like your subject to express themselves. Watch them carefully as they move from one pose to the next, how is the light changing, how is the shadow changing as they move their head or neck? 

Going on a portrait shoot?

Prepare by planning what you would like to capture. Keep it simple, communicate with your subject in advance if you can, if not be present. Keep a keen eye on how light is falling on the face for it can dramatically change like the passing of the clouds can change the light on a landscape. 

Choosing the favourite image can be tricky too, no? Which one was your favourite from the shoot? 

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