Are you interested in creative portrait photography? Here are a few tips for how to make your portrait photos stand out, whether you are taking the pictures or having them taken.

When you think of portrait photography, thestandard head and shoulders shot with a slightly tilted chin probably comes tomind. These are the bread & butter images that are always good to haveduring a shoot, but adding a little creative flair can give you amazingresults.

Here are a few simple ways that you can turnyour portrait photography creative.

Tip 1: Change your perspective

There is no rule that says a portrait alwaysneeds to be taken at eye-level. Taking a shot from above or below will convey adifferent message.

Tip 2: Lose the Eye Contact

While a subject making direct eye contactwith the camera creates a connection with the person viewing the final image,there are other options such as having the subject focus on something unseen tobring an element of mystery and intrigue to the shot.

Tip 3: Use Props

Using a prop can help to tell a story,bring in some color or just add some visual interest. It’s important that youkeep the prop simple, so that you aren’t taking the attention away from themain subject.

Tip 4: Experiment with Lighting

Try taking photos by a doorway or window, whereyou can play with natural light. Another option is to play with shadows or coloredlights in the studio. Again, it’s important if using dramatic lighting not todetract from the person being photographed.

Tip 5: Play with Backgrounds

Adjusting something as obvious as the background can make all the difference to a portrait shot. Backgrounds of different colours or even different textures can all be used. If patterns are used however, make sure that they aren’t too busy. If it is a location shoot, making use of elements in your surrounds can really add to the final images.

Once you start getting creative withportrait photography, the sky is the limit!

If you enjoyed this post and would like to learn more about having a shoot with me, or you are a beginner photographer who would like to learn to take better images, then please contact me.

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