Five ways to take better portraits—even with your phone
As I can’t always be there to take photographs for you, I thought I’d share a few things that can make a real difference to portraits of your family and pets. You don’t need a professional camera to put them into practice.
1. Get down to their eye level
I see so many photographs of children and pets taken looking down on them. That viewpoint can make them look small and out of proportion. Try getting closer to their eye level, and experiment with different angles.
I realise not everyone can get down easily, and not all children are small any more. But a little change in viewpoint can make a big difference.
2. Look for soft light
Direct sunshine and strong shadows can look great, but soft light is often more flattering for portraits. Try a cloudy day, a spot near a window or just inside a doorway.
This is why we use large, soft lighting in the studio: to create that flattering look.
3. Make a connection
Anyone who has had a shoot with me will know I don’t simply ask you to smile. It’s far better to engage with the person you’re photographing. Say or do something that gets a real response, and be ready to photograph it.
4. Check the background
Do you really want that tree growing out of their head, or a crowd of strangers behind them? A few seconds’ thought, or a small change of position, can improve the picture. If the background is unavoidably busy, portrait mode on your phone can help soften it.
5. Take more than one
It’s frustrating to discover afterwards that somebody had their eyes closed or an unfortunate expression. Take several photographs, especially when it’s a moment you really want to keep.
You don’t need hundreds of identical pictures. Just give yourself a few chances to catch the expression you were hoping for.
