6 WAYS TO MAKE YOUR PORTRAITS LESS BORING

When we think of traditional family portraits or head shots, we tend to think of posed shots of people in a studio or standing outside and smiling.  While there's certainly a reason for those types of photos, as a photographer who's always in search of something new, I always strive to do more.  Every person being photographed has a personality that needs to shine through.  The moment your capturing has a mood that needs to be clearly portrayed in the photo.  Here are some ways to capture portraits that stand out from the pack.
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CREATE A MOOD WITH LIGHTING
The intent of this shot, depicting a musician deep in thought, was to create some mystery behind his emotion. The lighting was far from traditional portrait lighting, because we wanted a slightly edgier look that set the mysterious mood. We used a smoke machine to add ambience to the room, and posed him to slightly obscure his face. This leaves the viewer wondering just what he's thinking.
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MIX FORMAL WITH FUN
For this shot, we had our model dressed elegantly and placed her in a small music venue that is much less formal.  This juxtaposition technique makes for an compelling photograph.
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ADD SOME ACTION
Put some movement into your photo. This image of a child on a tire swing brings energy to the portrait, and the low wide angle lets the viewer understand the entire scene.
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CHANGE YOUR ANGLE
Not all portraits need to be taken from a traditional angle...especially with kids.  They tend to be moving and playing, so get down on the floor and try a new angle!
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​LET THE SETTING SET THE TONE
In this shot of a steel mill worker, I carefully chose the setting to communicate the company's strong loyalty to the USA. What's in the background can speak volumes. Choose your setting wisely.
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LIVE ON THE EDGE
Don't be afraid to take photos that push the limits or even make some people uncomfortable (like my wife was when she saw my son with a machete). This shot captures the free spirited, tough guy personality of my son, and it was taken by my older son, which makes me a proud papa! :)

I hope this post inspires you to push your limits and try new photography techniques. It's amazing what you can create when you push past your comfort zone.

- Brant

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Brant Waldeck is a North Carolina-based cinematographer, photographer and creative guy who lives to create.