As a portrait photographer, it’s your job to make sure your clients look their best. However, taking a perfect portrait shot in the studio is not just about lighting and composition. It’s also about understanding the customer’s needs and making them feel comfortable in front of the camera.
In this article we will share our studio, 415HeaderTop five tips for taking the perfect portrait shot in the studio, from preparing for the shoot to post-processing the final image.
Get to know your customers
Before shooting, take the time to get to know your client. Ask them about their profession, their goals when it comes to portrait photography, and any specific requirements they may have. This will help you understand their needs and tailor the shoot to their specific requirements. For example, if your client is an actor, they may want a portrait that shows a variety of their expressions. If they are a professional businessman, they may want a more serious and professional look. By understanding your customer’s needs, you’ll be able to create a portrait that truly reflects who they are and what they do.
Pay attention to the light
Lighting is one of the most important aspects of a close-up shot, and it can make or break the final image. For a classic, timeless head shot, use a three-point lighting setup: one main, one secondary, and one backlight. This will create an image that looks natural, balanced, and compliments your subject. Make sure to pay attention to the direction of the light and the shadows it creates. You can use a reflector to soften shadows and fill in any areas of the face that are too dark. Experiment with different lighting setups to find the setup that works best for your client.
A common request I hear is that my clients want to avoid having a double chin in their frontal shots. For these close-up shots, I usually use a beautifying plate on top with a reflector near the client’s body.
Use the right lens
The lens you use can have a big impact on the final image. For close-up shots, we recommend using a short telephoto lens, such as the 85mm or one 105mm. These lenses will compress facial features, making your subject look better. They also provide a shallow depth of field, which can help separate the subject from the background. This is especially useful when you want to draw attention to the eyes or face. Avoid using wide angle lenses as they can distort the face and make your client look unnatural.
Micro-manage your customers
Directing your subject is crucial to getting the perfect shot. Give them specific instructions on how to pose, where to look, and how to present themselves. For example, you could ask them to tilt their head slightly, relax their shoulders, or give them a natural smile. You can also ask them to think of a happy memory or something that makes them feel confident, relaxes them, and has a natural expression. Also, be sure to check and adjust their poses, hair, and clothes to make sure everything is ready for the final shot.
If one of our clients is having difficulty with facial expressions, we recommend that they close their eyes for 15-20 seconds and put themselves in a situation that makes them smile (e.g. show comedy they watched, the last joke their friends said, etc.). The moment they open their eyes and smile is when we take pictures.
post-processing
The final step to creating a perfect studio portrait is post-processing. This is where you will make any final adjustments to the image, such as color correction and retouching. But it’s important to remember that there is as little post-processing as possible. You want to enhance the image, not change it. Avoid over-editing and using too many filters as they can make your client look unnatural. Instead, focus on making small adjustments that will improve the final image, such as removing blemishes or smoothing wrinkles.
It is a wrap
Getting the perfect studio portrait requires a combination of technical skill and artistic vision. As a portrait photographer, it’s your responsibility to make your clients look their best, and by following these tips, you’ll be able to create head shots that really stand out. Remember to always listen to your customers’ needs, pay attention to details, and be willing to experiment with new techniques. With the right approach, you’ll be able to create portraits that really stand out and make your clients look like the stars they are.
