Focus: Taking great portraits of people

A portrait is more than just a picture of someone. A good portrait helps us notice the person, their expression, and their personality. Since YAH made each person wonderfully and uniquely, we want our portraits to show people with care.

What Makes a Great Portrait?

• Focus on the eyes: Make sure your subject’s eyes are sharp and clear.
• Watch the background: Look behind your subject before taking the picture. Avoid distracting objects.
• Find good light: Soft natural light works great for portraits. Try standing near a window or photographing outside in open shade.
• Try different angles: Take pictures from eye level, slightly above, or from the side.
• Use the Rule of Thirds: Your person does not always have to be directly in the center.
• Help your subject pose: Have them turn slightly, look at the camera, look away, smile, or try a natural expression.
• Get closer: Fill the frame with your subject instead of leaving too much empty space.

Game: Partner Portrait Session

Pair up with a partner. You will take turns being the photographer and the model.

Each photographer should take several different portraits: one close-up, one using the Rule of Thirds, one with a clean background, one using an interesting angle, and one showing your partner’s personality.

Before you take each picture, remember: Light. Background. Eyes. Pose. Click!