Portrait photographers make an average of $32,000 a year in the United States.
This is a great career to start with if you have a passion for photography and working with others.
If you are interested in going into studio portrait photography, there are a couple of tips to know.
Continue reading to discover the best tips to practice for studio portrait photography!
Find a Subject to Work With
The first tip to starting a studio portrait photography company is to find a subject to work with.
Many professionals recommend getting to know each of the subjects that you work with. By building bonds and trust with them, you can better understand each other while producing work. Do your best to make connections with each of them to improve communication and transparency.
While finding someone to work with, you should think about how you like to work. Do you plan to direct them where to go and what to do or give creative freedom? This will help you collaborate with others because you will have clear expectations.
Become Comfortable With Your Camera
To best learn portrait photography, you must be comfortable and confident with a camera.
If you just bought your camera and don’t know how it works, take time to play around with it and identify key features. The more familiar you are with adjusting settings, the easier it will be to obtain the perfect shot. Tutorial videos and practice are the best way to discover the ins and outs of your lens’ and camera.
Find a Location
Finding portrait photography settings can be an overwhelming task if you don’t have a direction.
Take time to think about what you enjoy taking photos of and consider the backgrounds of the portraits. This will help you find unique buildings and locations to conduct your work. Many people recommend buying or renting out a building so that your subjects and guests have a place to visit and change.
If you are looking for more rustic pictures, consider looking out in rural areas. Artists with a more artistic approach may be appealed to city areas where graffiti and people are gathered.
Keep Samples of Your Work
There are many studio portrait photography techniques that you will use while capturing your work.
One of the most important things to do is to keep samples of your best and most unique photos. These photos can be used in portfolios to help attract new customers and attention. To use these photos, make sure that you get consent from the subject first.
Samples of your work can also be used when going to trade shows or decorating your studio. They are a perfect way to display all of your talents.
Try Various Angles
Aside from lighting, angles are another factor that you can use to enhance portrait photographs.
Depending on the subject and mood that you are trying to capture, a change in the angle can make a profound statement. Different angles will give you more options to choose from so that you can find the best view of someone. Each angle will provide a unique perspective that draws viewers in.
Many professionals use ladders and step stools to get angles from above. Another view that looks good is from below, where different features are highlighted. Use your body, lens, and camera to find the best position for your photo.
Utilize Props
Although portrait photography is supported to focus on the subject, you can still use props in moderation.
Props can help add special effects to the background of your photos or draw attention to the subject’s features. An example of using props is by putting your subject in a bath with rose petals to take a luxurious photo with water in the background.
Props don’t need to be things that have to be held. They can be anything that you add to the image to make your subject’s emotion displayed and make a bold statement. Talk to your subject about how you plan to utilize each prop and show them the remarkable results afterward!
Take Black and White Photos
If you want to take impressive photos that stand out, consider using black and white filters.
Black and white photos are nostalgic and give a different feel from standard colored photos. Even while taking black and white photos, you must utilize and manipulate lighting to control shadows. Many people like black and white photos because they tell a story with the person’s face and ignore everything else.
This is a great technique to put in your portfolio to display your abilities.
Play With Lighting
Since portrait photography is all about capturing the subject and emotion, you will want to manipulate light.
Playing with different lighting apps, like https://setapp.com/how-to/adobe-lightroom-alternative-apps can help. It will show you new ways to obtain results. Lighting has a major impact on these photos and can make them inviting, mysterious, or calming to look at.
Don’t be afraid to get different types of light fixtures and bulbs for areas of your studio. As you get comfortable with subjects, you will have a better feel as to which lighting your should use.
Use These Studio Portrait Photography Tips
Studio portrait photography is a fun and creative way to show your talents and work with others.
By utilizing this guide, you can work more efficiently and build better relationships with the subjects you work with. Understanding how to use your camera and manipulate light will also have major effects on your work. Find a good location to work in that offers various backgrounds.
Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone to try something new. A unique touch to your work can improve business.
Be sure to check out our blog for more articles about starting a photography business and following your passions!
