Changing it up and down

Getting different looking photos from the same poses

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I’m really having fun with my portrait photography sessions. I’m taking many standard shots to fine tune my technique and composition, so naturally there are a lot of conventional type portraits being produced.

My friend-models are giving me their time, so in return they can use the photos on their social media, or wherever else. I try to not produce too many shots of the same poses, but there are only so many poses - especially since they are not professional models.

I try to create some variety by changing it up a bit;

A change of perspective

Changing the view point can drastically alter the photo. To paraphrase what @kevinli said in this DTube video, “crouch way down”. I like to take that to a different level and either lie down myself and shoot up at the model, or the reverse. Another variant of that is to shoot the model upside down while she’s lying down. Heck, you can both lie down.

I find that photos taken while lying down seem a little more intimate for some reason. There’s an element of vulnerability to it

Stand between the light

Back lighting the model is a very widely used method. It’s a favourite for shooting romantic scenes like weddings and engagements. Depending on the light source, it can alter the image drastically.

Backlit against the golden evening sun, for example, can give that golden highlight in the model’s hair and soften the skin - reducing the appearance of any (so called) imperfections.

You have to do it right though, otherwise you’ll end up with a silhouette. I use a fill flash to avoid that, rather than over exposing and blowing out the background.

Put some distance between you

A common piece of advice is to fill the frame with your subject. I once heard from a famous portrait photographer that filling the frame is much more important than anything else. Well, rules are there to be broken (once you know them).

If the environment is interesting, I often move back a little to include it in the photo. It makes the photo seem more like a lifestyle-holiday snap, but I think they can be very interesting.

Shoot their reflections

I like to create some behind-the-scenes type photos. To do this, I like to assume some kind of onlooker/fly-on-the-wall type role. For instance, when my model retouches her makeup, or fixes her hair, I like to grab some quick shots while she isn’t totally paying attention. These can come out pretty nice.

There’s also the totally cliché but interesting reflection shots through a mirror, shiny metal or water.

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So, you awesome portrait photographers out there, what are your tricks and tips? Let me know - I’m eager to try new things.

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Peace and Love ✌🏿
Adé

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