Six months of portraits

SIX MONTHS OF PORTRAITS

I’m back! I took some time off to focus on just portraits. A whole six months! Portraits aren’t something I ever really wanted to shoot, but a new challenge was needed.

As it turns out, I love shooting portraits! So much so, it’s becoming my thing. What have I learned?

Wide angle lenses make for awesome portrait lenses! Obviously depending on how they’re used, but the crazy angles make for awesome shots!

Huge, heavy 2.8 lenses aren’t necessary (at least for my style). When traveling around, heavy lenses are a burden! Have you tried walking around all day with a tonne of camera equipment hanging around your body? It’s not cool!

You don’t even need to use 2.8 for separation! Get in close to the subject and that’ll help separate the subject from the background. A longer focal length will also accentuate the separation.

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MODEL: NAKITA HARDEN INSTAGRAM: @NAKITA.SPARKLES

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People aren’t that scary! The idea of shooting people is initially terrifying! Especially when you’re an introvert and shooting a perfect stranger... But when you suck it up and just deal with it, you really grow as a person.

Portraits are so easy to over think! Many times I’ve put myself in a crappy situation where I’ve become overwhelmed before a shoot. In a way I’m happy for it to have happened though, it’s put me in a place where going back to basics is easy. The main thing to remember is the focus of the shoot. For example, if you’re shooting a portrait session, you’re capturing the essence of the person.

Try not to get caught up on poses, clothing etc. Instead, you should put effort into pulling the personality out of the subject.

Lighting and posing are definitely big factors in shooting people, but capturing the connection is what makes or breaks a shot in my opinion.

I've found that taking the time out to learn a new skill has made me grow exponentially as a photographer and as a person. These kinds of personal projects are recommended to keep the passion alive and to give yourselves the opportunity to learn a new skill-set. You may not be comfortable with getting out of your comfort zone but suck it up and see where it takes you!