Here is the tip for this week's Photo Desk assignment.
A great portrait offers an intimate look at your subject, which is not easy to accomplish. Photographing a subject that doesn't feel comfortable having their picture taken can translate into images that don't feel natural. It's the photographers job to put the subject at ease and make them feel relaxed, allowing for a more natural side of the person to come out.
Some tips for shooting a great portrait.
- Research your subject What do they like to do? Where do they work? What's the story behind them? You can use that information to come up with a concept for your shoot.
- Talk to your subject One of the easiest ways to make your subject feel at ease is to tell them your ideas for the picture. You can also use the research you did to strike up a conversation with them during the shoot.
- Include surroundings Photograph your subject in a place that is relevant to them. Try using a wide-angle lens to include some of the location. Whether it's an artist's studio or a corporate office, the surroundings will give little bits of insight to the reader about your subject.
- Always watch your light You have the ability to control your light in any portrait situation. You can move your subject or sometimes move the light itself.
This week's assignment: portraits. Send us your best images, preferably shot this week, and submit it to our Flickr group. Non-Flickr users can use our uploader tool.
