8 min read Taking Your Portraits to the Next Level: Key Techniques Every Photographer Should Know

Portrait photography tips have a great range from simple camera settings to the almost impossible task of making children stay still during his photo-shoot.

Although many photographers upgrade their DSLR or camera to take control when they take family portraits or child pictures, and they the super cool shots of people are always challenging. The difference between unprofessional and professional portrait photography can be vast. So we've compiled this list of the 6 most important portrait photography tips that are important for any photographer. Whether you're taking portraits of your friends or you've been hired to photograph a family, and whether you're shooting outside or in a pristine studio or outside in your local park, the advice below will be helpful for you to become a better portrait photographer.

So without any delay, let's start

When to use Exposure Compensation:

Your camera's metering system plays an important role in picture-taking. It works on how much light is needed to enter the camera in order to make a correct exposure. It's very clever and tricky, but it's not totally foolproof. The issue with multi-zone metering systems is that it takes an average reading, and this reading is assumed to be midtown, or in other words, halfway between black and white. Usually, this supposition comes outright, but a metering system can struggle when a frame is dominated by areas of extreme darkness and brightness. When you are shooting portraits, light skin tones can trick easily the camera into underexposing the shot.

Well, you'll notice this even more when shooting full-face photos or when there is so much white in the scene - brides at weddings are a basic example. This can be corrected quickly though with the camera's Exposure Compensation controls. To begin with, to start, click up to +1 stop of positive Exposure Compensation in order to lighten up people's faces. Review your shots, and if you feel they need to be lightened up, even more, increase them.

Aperture advice:

When you are doing portrait photography, it's best to set a wide aperture to capture a low depth of field, so the background on the back of your subject is nicely blurred, making them stand out better. Shoot in Aperture Priority mode for controlling depth of field; in this mode, your DSLR will set the shutter speed to make a correct exposure. Specialist portrait lenses incline to have max apertures in order to further blur backgrounds.

Shutter speed settings:

When setting the shutter speed, the factor in the focal length of lenses otherwise camera shake will become an issue. As a general rule, ensure that your shutter speed is higher than your focal length. For example, at 200mm use a 1/250 sec shutter speed or a little faster. Also, this means when using a wide-angle lens you can get away with slower shutter speeds - such as 1/20sec with an almost 18mm focal length. While it will not be helpful if your subject is quickly moving around, don't overlook using your camera's anti-shake system. While some camera systems have a built-in sensor. The benefit is that you can see the effect in the viewfinder. Not every lens will feature this technology, but if you have it then use it. You'll be able to shoot handheld at slower shutter speeds. Otherwise, normally you will be able to do and still come away with pin-sharp shots.

Increase your ISO:

People move around so much when they're photographed, not to mention bat an eyelid and continuously change their facial expressions and there is nothing worse than a photo of someone gurning or half-blinking instead of smiling! Just to avoid these problems, and to prevent blur appearing, you'll need to use fast shutter speed. Also, this will help to ensure the perfect shots and avoid camera shake as more often you'll be shooting handheld portraits. While in Aperture Priority mode and upholding a wide aperture if you want to increase your shutter speed just simply increase your ISO. In low light either indoor or outdoor, you will need to increase it to ISO1,600, 3,200, or even 6,400. A little jot is definitely better than a blurred useless photo.

Creative compositions:

Don't get lazy with your compositions. Often photographers stand back and think it's best to include all or at least the top half of their subject. Instead, zoom in to fill the frame for inspired photo composition. Positioning your subject to one side of the frame with 'space to look into', is a master technique, as in experimenting with wide apertures to shoot a shallow depth of field.

Build a rapport:

If your model is not feeling comfortable, then the final shots will not be going to work. Spare some time to chat with your subject before the shoot. Have a cup of coffee or tea and talk about your ideas. When the shoot begins, offer them direction.  Don't just shoot silently. Ask them what they want and how you want them to pose. Remember to show them shots on the back of the screen as it can build confidence.