Простые секреты достойных портретов

Post-Processing Sharing Portraits

The aim of post-processing portraits is to strengthen your images. they allow you to keep the subject of your image the central focus of the image.

On top of that, post-processing can help fix the areas you missed during the shoot.  Here, you have another chance to ensure your group looks attractive and appealing.

This amounts to you adjusting image values to accentuate certain physical features. these include eyes, hair, and skin tone.

Here, you can cut distracting things such as blemishes and noisy background elements.

Pixieset – An Image Sharing Platform 

As a professional photographer, delivering quality images on time is paramount.

That’s where Pixieset comes in. This is a platform that allows you to easily share large files with your clients. This all comes at a monthly fee.

The website holds your images, issuing a URL ad password for your clients. They use this to view and select the images they want.

Not only does it save you time. Your clients will be happy, satisfied, and likely to work with you again! It’s definitely one of the top options for file sharing.

For the full review, and information on how to get started, read our article here.

Processing Portraits in Lightroom

Adobe Lightroom is great for the majority of your portraiture post-processing. It affords you a smaller toolset than Photoshop.

But it enables an easier workflow and archiving process through its organizational features.

For global changes to an image as well as cropping, Lightroom has all your bases covered.

Plus, if you are working with a batch of files that need editing, Lightroom will likely be more useful to you.

It has the ability to apply presets to many photos and adds metadata and notes to your files.

This guide gives you a solid overview of how to organize your portrait files. And how to perform the major corrections and edits that portraits usually need.

How to Photoshop Portrait Photography

When you think of removing bags under your subject’s eyes. Or removing unflattering marks and stray hairs. Perhaps even warming up flat skin tones – you’re thinking of ‘retouching’.

Retouching portraits is an essential skill. Adobe Photoshop is your go-to tool for these kinds of edits.

It’s usually the final stage of portrait photography before you have a finished product.

This article has tutorials on some of the most commonly used retouching techniques. These include spot healing, frequency separation, and dodging & burning, et al.

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Постановка света

Очень важно, при съёмке таких портретов, обратить внимание на свет. Почти никогда сильное контрастное освещение не даёт положительный результат. Модель будет выглядеть более привлекательно при освещении, которое создают, как минимум два направленных в сторону девушки источника света

Если вы присмотритесь, девушки красивые фото которых публикуют в глянцевых журналах, практически всегда освещены не полностью

Модель будет выглядеть более привлекательно при освещении, которое создают, как минимум два направленных в сторону девушки источника света. Если вы присмотритесь, девушки красивые фото которых публикуют в глянцевых журналах, практически всегда освещены не полностью.

Первый ставится так, чтобы образовалось умеренное освещение меж сильным с боку и прямым передним, при этом свет нужно установить под углом 45 градусов к девушке, и примерно высотой 1 метр. Это сделает лицо поуже и подчеркнёт выпуклость скул. Следующий источник света будет играть роль заполняющего. Он уберёт тени — высветит их. И этот свет должен быть послабее первого, примерно на одну треть. А чтобы не появились тени от второго источника света, установите его вплотную к фотоаппарату. Такой тип освещения фотографы называют «голливудским».

Почти каждый неопытный фотограф убеждён, что для занятий портретной фотографией необходима фотостудия, оснащённая сложной осветительной техникой. Но это глубокое заблуждение. Фотография, сделанная в самой «навороченной» студии лишена той прелести, что снимок, выполненный при дневном свете. Хорошеньких девушек лучше фотографировать при мягком, рассеянном освещении, не дающем резких теней. Поэтому на улице их лучше снимать в пасмурный день. Но нет ничего хуже прямых солнечных лучей. От них появляются тени, которые резко и неприятно скрывают глаза модели. Особенно вредно солнце в зените.

Снимаем руки

Выразительность женских рук делают их неотъемлемым компонентом в портретах наших романтических девушек. Не секрет, что руки модели, словно глаза, передают состояние души, а порой ещё более выразительны. Грубой ошибкой считается, когда в нагрудном или поясном портрете руки, опущены вниз вдоль тела и «обрезаются». Такие руки фотографы профессионалы называют «макаронами».

Каждый фотограф знает, как трудно снимать руки. И даже их непосредственное положение в кадре выглядит нескладным и неуклюжим.. Желательно, перед тем, как снимать, нужно дать время модели «прийти в себя», расслабиться. Красивые руки молодой девушки, тонкие, нежные пальчики с маникюром очень привлекательны и являются центральным элементом композиции.

И это относится не обязательно к ладошкам и пальчикам. Довольно ярко выражены жесты, которые придают модели непосредственность, живость. Если вы в кадр включили руки, то нужно подумать как на них направить свет. Руки, находящиеся ниже груди, или покоящиеся на коленках, будут испытывать недостаток света, И если модель находится в одежде тёмных оттенков, то опытные фотографы для освещения рук используют пучок света, в виде небольшого прожектора

Можно уделить внимание шее, плечам, груди. Но никакого особого рецепта для съёмки романтического портрета не существует — нужно найти особый, исключительный подход к каждой девушке

Не надо забывать, что каждая модель индивидуальна. И если вы её подгоните под стандартный шаблон «обаяние», то получится банальная красотка.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=niOOG1XptrI

Portrait Photography Gear

A good carpenter never blames his tools. But he’ll tell you the importance of having the right tool for the job.

This guide focuses primarily on how to capture good portraits.

A part of that is having the right gear. Lenses, lighting, reflectors, backdrops, camera, and more. Everything needs to be specific for the task at hand.

If you’re just getting started, you don’t have to worry too much about buying too much gear all at once.

Below you’ll find a few articles which will help you with the basics. These are things you’ll need to start taking portrait photography.

How to Choose the Best Camera for Portrait Photography

Having the right camera is important. It will come down to what you will do with the images you capture.

You can capture good portraits using anything. From a simple smartphone to a $43,000 Hasselblad.

The majority of people reading this will be using a DSLR. This is partly to do with the fact that we are told that DSLRs offer the best quality images.

This article takes you through the things you should be looking for in a DSLR. Especially for photography portraits.

It takes your level of experience and price sensitivity into consideration.

What Is the Best Lens for Portraits?

Will you be shooting groups of people often? How much available space do you have? Do you want to take outdoor portraits with plenty of bokeh?

Do you plan on carrying a few prime lenses or do you want a single zoom lens?

This comprehensive article runs you through key questions you should be asking yourself. It will help when you’re looking for an ideal portraiture lens.

You will find a roundup of the best Canon and Nikon lenses for portraits. Along with their specifications.

14 Recommended Lighting Setups

A big part of portrait photography involves manipulating lighting setups. Good portrait photographers know how to adjust every little detail.

The quality, quantity, and direction of light. Adding and using lighting tools they have at their disposal.

They can even adjust to fit situations where they have limited or no control over the ambient light.

14 Recommended Lighting Setups goes over a few of the things to think about when buying your lighting gear.

The important things here are the following. Recycle time, type of bulb and type of power source. It also provides a list of recommended setups based on those factors.

We cover some fundamental studio lighting patterns in the ‘Portrait Lighting’ section of this guide.

On top of this we look at how to use natural and ambient light in non-studio situations. Either in tandem with portable flash units or without.

How to Set Up a Home Studio

Your studio is where all the gear comes together. This is your controlled environment.

It is where you set up your camera, lighting, and other accessories. This is so you can take portraits in the style and manner that suits you.

If you’re getting started with studio portraiture, you’ll want to set up a home portrait photography studio. This is a (somewhat) affordable way to begin practicing.

Of course, setup isn’t everything. You will still need to work with the subjects in the studio. Especially to get the look, feel, and the effect that you want in the portrait.

But all that happens in this setting. The sooner you can get comfortable with working in the context of the studio, the better. You’ll improve your portraiture skills to no end.

How to Choose the Right Camera Settings for Portraits

Setting your camera up for portraiture is a straightforward process. As long as you remember this one key idea. Emphasize the subject of the portrait above all else.

Classically, this means that you want to expose correctly. This is to achieve the highest level of quality and clarity (no motion blur, as little grain as possible, depth-of-field, and white balance that are appropriate to the scenario, etc.).

Your settings will vary depending on many factors. Whether you are photographing in a studio, what light is available and the aim of the shoot.

If you remember to expose your subject you can always balance your aperture, shutter speed, and ISO accordingly.

Natalia Robert

How to Capture Great Portrait Photography

How To Use Photography Props for Great Portraits

Props withing portrait photography have many benefits. They help you boost the idea behind the portrait, making it more realistic and believable.

On top of this, it helps to create an easier environment to capture the person in front of the camera. It also gives the hands something to do.

They can be serious, or add some humor to the image. Read our article on how to add props successfully.

Kevin Landwer-Johan

How to Create Cinematic Looking Portraits

With the film industry churning out countless hits, again and again, it is no wonder we look towards them for inspiration.

A cinematic portrait has many attributes. The main one being the difference in the aspect ratio.

Cinematic scenes have a 16:9 ratio, whereas most digital camera images use 3:2.

On top of this, there are color grades you can add and simple rules of compositions. Read here for all the information you’ll need.

Kevin Landwer-Johan

The 10 Different Types of Portrait Photography You Should Know

If you were wondering what kind of portrait photography that might interest you, we have something great. It might just help point you in the right direction.

There are 10 different types of portrait photography. Each one needs different tips, techniques, and approaches.

You might already a successful portrait photographer. But knowing about other possibilities can help you break into new markets.

Read our article for more information.

Image by maximilianmair

Shooting During Twilight

Taking a good low-light photo portrait outdoors is potentially a tricky proposition.

As you might have guessed, there is a little bit more involved than showing up with a flash setup.

You will need to assess your surroundings to see what kind of ambient light will be in your composition. Then, you’ll have to adjust your settings and position your model to fit.

Twilight is a great time to take portrait pictures outdoors. You’ll still have the faintest of light in the sky after the sun has gone below the horizon line.

This article walks you through six very important steps. These will help you to take great-looking photos during this time of day.

How To Shoot Atmospheric Night Portrait Photography

Night portrait photography is challenging due to the lack of light. But, don’t let that stop you from being creative.

The best images are well exposed with a little imagination thrown in for good measure.

Creating something atmospheric will come down to a few things.

Namely the Mise-en-scène of your setting. This means the clothing, hair, and makeup of your subject.

On top of those, the location in which you shoot and how it looks is just as important. They should come together to create an image of harmony or juxtaposition.

Anabel DFlux

How To Shoot Neon Portrait Photography the Easy Way

One portrait photography trend of recent years has been to use ambient nighttime light. Neon lights from shop windows are just one area you can find them.

More and more photographers use them as they are still interesting and unusual. They give off that electric and futuristic feel that fits our era and idea of technology.

You can use the neon lights in any number of ways. You just need to get outside when the sun is down.

Taya Ivanova

Styles of Portraits

A Guide to Black and White Portrait Photography

Shooting in black and white can give your portraits a classic, timeless look. When you remove color, details of texture, shape, and positioning stand out even more.

It also helps to place an emphasis on the person as you see previously unnoticed subtleties.

I find that the textures that you see in black and white portraits really reveal the character of a person’s face.

Everything you’ve learned about portraiture still applies. Black and white photography portraits are special.

It forces you to think even more about light and shadow in your compositions. And about capturing without the distraction that color sometimes can bring.

Taya Ivanova

How to Take Fun and Natural Family Portraits

This article talks more about the basics of capturing traditional family portrait photography.

You will learn about what to consider when choosing a location. Also, how to arrange the people in the photos.

How to light the group and highlight relationships are some examples of what you need to be aware of. Also, experience working with kids may be necessary.

And of course, there is the question of what camera settings you’ll want to use.

Anabel DFlux

10 Things Your Photography Contract Must Include

A photography contract for portrait photography is to ensure both parties retain their rights.

It makes sure that neither side can do anything with the images that were not pre-discussed and agreed upon.

Risk of prosecution can come from either side if consent was not given.

One rule for photographing people is to get a model release. This is a contract between both parties, allowing the use of the model’s image.

Most stock photography requires this if you wish to sell the images online.

Read here for the other nine tips on what your portrait photo contract needs to have.

Natalia Robert

What is Portrait Photography

Portrait photography is all about people. How to show them at their best is a challenge. Either for business headshots or arranging a dozen family members for a group image.

Of course, if photography portraits were as simple as shouting ‘cheese!’, we’d all be doing it.

But it’s not; there’s a ton of little intricacies to it. Not only is the interaction with your subject difficult. But you also have to think about the equipment.

From choosing the right gear and finding the perfect location. To posing the model and adjusting your composition. Even after mastering light there is the polishing stage in Photoshop.

You have to know it all to master portraiture. That’s what we’re going to cover right here.

Self Portraiture

How to Take Flattering Self Portraits

Taking self-portraits is easier than a regular portrait photo. You’re directing yourself and not another person or group of people. But it’s not without its own challenges.

You will need to consider the location where you want to take your self-portrait. You’ll need to prepare that location for shooting.

This includes setting up your camera and any lighting you may be using.

Depending on the location, you may or may not have a mirror with you that you can use. Having one makes adjusting your pose a bit easier.

If you don’t have one, you should still know how to pose yourself. A flattering portrait rather than an awkward or bad-looking one.

21 Creative Self Portrait Ideas for Photographers

Self- Portraiture is where you turn the camera on to the person who is usually behind it. You!

Here, you photograph yourself. You may find this a little daunting. But since you gave so much direction to others, you know exactly what you need to do.

If you don’t know where to start, you’ve come to the right place.

The tips and tricks in this article will teach you how to find inspiration. It will also help you know how to invest in the right equipment.

Get ready to transform yourself into someone different.

Taya Ivanova

How to Improve Your Self-Portrait Photography

Now that you have a pretty good idea of where/how/with what to start, it’s time for us to start photographing.

Many amazing photographers have turned the camera towards themselves. Vivian Maier is just one of those. There is no limit to the inspiration you can find out there.

The self-portraits may include pets, interesting locations or a transformation. It can be of yourself into a different character (fiction or non-fiction) or just a simple close up.

You can experiment with light, or the lack of it. Like everything else in photography, the choice is yours.

You just need to start, criticize your own work, practice and improve. There is no other way or ‘quick route’.

This article gives you everything you will need.

Taya Ivanova

How To Get Creative With Fairy Light Photography

The simple straight forward portrait photography shot works for professional headshots. But what if you are looking for something more creative?

Adding props and interesting lighting ideas can help to make your images special. Fairy lights are just one idea.

If you feel creative, and you have some fairy lights – use them to your advantage. They might provide that kick you’ve been looking for.

Taya Ivanova

7 Fun and Creative Self Portrait Locations

Finding locations for your self-portraiture can be easy and difficult. The setting and background are just as important as your subject.

Anywhere can be a location, but does it give you inspiration and fill your image with something interesting?

Look at your setting as a continuation of your mood and feeling. Use negative space to place a stronger focus on the subject.

Colour also has an impact, whether juxtaposed or otherwise.

Read our article here to become inspired. You’ll find better locations for your self-portrait photography.

Taya Ivanova