BLACK AND WHITE PORTRAITThere is an old quote that says, “If you want to shoot fashion, shoot in color, but if you want to shoot emotion, shoot in black and white.”
There is something special about black and white imagery which has the ability to cut through all the baggage and display both the inner beauty and turmoil which can be so easily hidden away by color photography. When taking portraits in B&W, the photographer needs to consider:
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BASIC POSES AND FRAMING
Full ShotStar your photo shoot with a full body photo. This tells the viewer about the subject by communicating body language. It can also provide information by seeing the person in relation to their background.
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Head and HandsOnce the full shots are complete, move to head and hands. Hands say a lot about a person, and the way the subject positions their hands combines elements of body language with facial expression to connect to the viewer.
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Head ShotThe head shot should be done last, when the subject is more comfortable with the process.
The idea is to frame the subject's face in close up, with the subject looking at the camera. It is important to have an 'eye light' to reflect the eyes, and make them seem more alive. |
OTHER TECHNIQUES
Profile photos give the viewer the sense of observing the subject rather than connecting with them.
It creates a different feeling for a portrait. |
A prop (an object the subject holds/interacts with) can also communicate information to the viewer.
It tells the viewer a little about the subject. |