How to Make a Portrait of Someone

Changing the conditions, such as lighting, can drastically alter the portrait you make.

You can create good portraits relatively quickly by using a digital camera. Using the associated graphics software, you can take your portraits to another level by adding special effects. Ideally, the original photo is the best it can be, at a high quality setting. Most digital cameras have presets for portraits as well, making it easier for you to get some good images of this type. Beyond this, you can alter the conditions under which the image was taken to enhance the look of a portrait. Non-traditional methods of making portraits are often more interesting than passport-photo type portraits.

Things You'll Need

• Camera
• Graphics software
• Printer

Instructions

1. Place the camera in front of the person you wish to photograph. Set the camera to the portrait setting and take some shots. Have the person look in the camera and away from the camera. If the person is showing an emotional reaction like a smile or surprise, that can also make the portrait more impressive.

2. Change the lighting. Try altering the direction of the light source, or try adding colored lights. Watch how the direction of the light source creates different shadows as it is moved. Try taking a few images when light conditions make the subject seem striking or intense. Use less direct light to soften the look and create a very subdued atmosphere in the portrait.

3. Change the perspective from which you are taking the photos. Take an image from above, with the person looking up into the camera, or from below with the person looking down. Looking down at the camera is usually less flattering than looking up.

4. Add props or other people to create a more intriguing scene. People engaging with each other in a photo, such as a mother smiling at her baby, can add another dimension to a portrait.

5. Block out part of the subject with a wall or with clothing to create a sense of mystery. Use clothing to hide a portion of the face to make the portrait look more compelling than a straight forward head-shot.

6. Upload all the images to your computer and spend a bit of time selecting the ones you wish to print. Alter them using various functions like contrast, brightness or color adjustment. Use more extreme effects if desired, such as making the photo look like an oil painting or switching to gray scale to make the image black and white.

7. Adjust the size of the images and print. Use a print service for large sized prints.

References

• Digital Photography School: 10 Ways to Take Stunning Portraits
• Cambridge in Colour: Digital Photography Tutorials