5 Tips for Amazing Photos
When it comes to portraiture, the possibilities are endless! Whether you’re looking for family pictures that capture your closest moments together, maternity photos to celebrate your newest addition, or senior photos to commemorate a life milestone, there’s something for everyone. No matter what type of portrait photography you choose, you can trust that the finished product will be something special.
Portrait Photography
Portrait photography is a larger genre of photography that encompasses many different sub-genres. Everything from family and maternity portraits to senior portraits and engagement photos. And yes, there are still many others. Regardless of which one you are looking to do though, here are five great tips that will help take your photos to the next level.
Elements For a Great Photoshoot
When it comes to creating an awesome photoshoot, there are a few key elements that can set you up for success. It all starts with the location – look for something that will fit the theme of your shoot and create stunning visuals. Whether it’s in a photography studio or out on location, make sure your environment is just right! Below we cover five of the key elements for making epic photos.
The 5 Elements for Making Great Photos
1. Location, Location, Location
You have heard the saying before I am sure, “It’s all about the location.” They are usually talking about business of course but that saying can easily be applied to photography as well. Having a great location is really the first ingredient of making great photos. Something that fits the idea of and the theme of the images that you are wanting to create.
The location of our photography studio is in Las Colinas in the Dallas, Texas area. Not the best location for doing landscape photography since there are no mountains, beaches or 100-foot waterfalls. However, despite that there are so many great locations around the Dallas area to take amazing photos. We can also do a lot of stuff like Vanity Fair style photoshoots in our professional photography studio.
You can also find a lot of places and studios with a specialized looks on sites like Peerspace and just rent the location and look that you need by the hour. You can do searches for parks and historic places. Places with good architecture or a look that fits the theme of your shoot.
2. Have A Theme for Your Photoshoot
A theme for your photoshoot can make a world of difference! Whether it’s moody, fun or inspired by something specific, having an overarching concept to bring your photos together can add focus and flair. Experimenting with different ideas is a great way to create eye-catching images that stand out from the crowd. With a little bit of planning, your photoshoot could be one to remember. So, get creative and have fun! Who knows what masterpieces are waiting to be discovered?
Finding ideas for photoshoots can be a lot of fun! Start by brainstorming the theme you’d like to explore, whether it’s something abstract or literal. Do you want to create fantasy-inspired images? Or perhaps capture everyday moments with a twist? Websites like Pinterest can be a treasure trove of ideas.
Once you’ve identified your theme and mood, start researching for inspiration. Look for images and stories online to get ideas on how you can bring your concept to life. You could also look through magazines, books and movies for visual cues or stories that will inspire creative photoshoots.
Finally, don’t forget to ask the people around you for advice and feedback – friends, family members and even strangers can all provide valuable input. They may even be able to help with the photoshoot itself! With a bit of brainstorming and research, you’ll be well on your way to creating stunning images that will wow your followers. Have fun!
3. Styling for Your Photoshoot
It’s time to get creative! When it comes to styling for a photoshoot, you can go wild with colors and textures – or keep it simple.
For wardrobe, don’t be afraid to mix and match. Try adding accessories such as necklaces, bracelets, and hats. This will help add interest to your photos. Darker colors can create a dramatic look, while bright colors will make the photos stand out. Layers and textures also add interest to your photos. Pick items that reflect your style and personality and fit the theme of the shoot.
When it comes to make-up, what you do should match the overall theme of what you are doing. In most cases though, you want to make sure it’s not caked on to heavy and blends well. Look at the areas around your hairline and jawline. If the color between your scalp and forehead or chin and neck are different, then it will show up like a neon sign in a photo.
For hair, try playing around with different hairstyles – braids and updos can be great for photoshoots! You can also accessorize your hair with headbands or barrettes. Don’t forget to the style should be something that fits with your overall theme.
At the end of the day, remember that it’s all about having fun during your photoshoot. Be creative with styling and don’t be afraid to try something new! With a few wardrobe pieces, some make-up, and some statement hairstyles – you will be sure to have an amazing photoshoot.
4. Practice Your Posing
Any professional photographer will tell you that modeling is an art and a skill and having a good model makes our job infinitely easier. This is exactly why some models get more work than others as top-level photographers also act as directors when it comes to their shoots and often dictate who is being shot for a shoot.
Modeling is a lot harder and physically demanding than most people realize. It is a skill that takes time and effort to develop and there is a science to it. Knowing your body and what angles and poses work for you can help you ensure that you get more hits than misses in your photos. Otherwise, if you are in a group of people like you would be in a family photo there may be that one photo that everyone else loves but you hate. Do your homework and practice. It is worth it.
Posing is all about creating shape and interest in flattering and interesting ways. Get on Pinterest or look through magazines like Vogue and Vanity Fair to get some ideas and then get in front of the mirror and practice. You can also have someone take pictures of you as practice but keep in mind that the ability of the photographer is even more important. The difference of shooting up on someone as opposed to shooting down can make a big difference. Shooting wide-angle close-up can distort and image and shooting telephoto can compress it. Lighting is also a huge factor.
5. Hire A Professional
The saying goes, “If you want something done right, do it yourself.” and you can do that. However, if I am getting a root canal or having my gallbladder removed, I think I will leave that to the professionals that do it every day and who are trained and experienced in doing it. Cousin Jimmy who owns a landscaping business probably isn’t the best option for removing your tonsils, is he?
It probably makes sense then that if you want professional engagement photos, maternity photos, senior pictures, or family photos that you will really treasure, then you should hire a professional photographer. Yes, you could just get your Aunt Sally to take your wedding photos. You could save $1,000’s of dollars, but would you? Not if you want amazing photos to remember your big day.
If these photos are going to be important to you then hire someone to do it right. Do your research. Find professional photographers who will work with your budget. Look through their gallery and see if you like the work that they do. If you love what you see in their galleries, you will probably love what you see when you get your photos even more.
Experienced professional photographers who use professional equipment and off-camera lighting can do things you simply just cannot do with your cell phone or a point-and-shoot camera. Even if you had their equipment unless you have years and years of experience the same would apply. There is a good reason a good professional camera costs $8,000.00 and every lens that goes on it costs between $1,000.00 and $3,000.00. The best cellphone for photos isn’t even in the same universe by comparison.
5.1.1 – Do It Yourself
All of that being considered… If you are just wanting to be creative and have fun or you just do not have the budget for hiring a professional photographer, then here are some tips for using the camera you’ve got with the skill you have.
a. Lighting is everything!
On a sunny day shoot in the shade but watch out for light coming through making patterns on the face or the person. If it happens to be cloudy outside then you are in luck, that lighting is a lot easier to work with and makes for more flattering pictures. one hour before sunrise on a sunny or partly cloudy day is gold though. That is why they call it the golden hour. If you are going to do it yourself and shoot outside. This is ideal.
If you are going to shoot inside. Find a big window and put your back to the window and have your subject facing the window. Move the subject closer to and further from the lighting until you see a picture that pops.
b. Use depth of field.
The closer you are to your subject and the further away the background behind them is the more the background will blur. This will create more focus on your subject and less distraction in the background creating a more visually appealing image. You can apply this effect by zooming in and reframing your subject. If you can’t do this because of limitations in space, then you can crop in on your subject to lesson distractions in the environment.
In Summary
Putting a little thought and preparation into your next photoshoot can really make a big difference and take it to the next level. If it is within your budget to do so hire a professional photographer and collaborate with them on your theme, styling, and location for your photoshoot. Do your homework and practice your posing, you will be glad you did.
We Are Here to Help
Are mantra at DFW Pro Photo is we are always happy to help. We are here for you with any questions you may have and we have some of the best photographers in Dallas, as well as great stylists and other creatives. Specialized in all kinds of portrait photography including, maternity photos, senior photos, engagement photos, family photos, and even wedding photography. You name it and we have probably done it. Contact us today, we are here to help.
