Portrait Photography Tips: Quick fixes to 11 Unflattering Features

The Photographer’s Dilemma

A portrait is an image that reveals a person’s character taken in a manner that usually puts a subject in the best light. Capturing a proper portrait takes great skills. Apart from the actual shooting, it is the photographer’s responsibility to keep the subject at ease— enough so for this person to revel his (or her) character.

But before all that, a look into the quick fixes to 11 unflattering features might be more than a little bit useful. Because what’s the point of properly capturing a person’s character when it has distracting and unflattering features highlighted? Really now.

Quick Fix #1: For large ears, place model in a 3/4 pose, showing only one ear and shadowing the second one.
Quick Fix #2: For a wrinkly face use softer, frontal lighting.
Quick Fix #3: For blemishes or scars reposition or place problem areas in the shadows.
Quick Fix #4: For different sized eyes, place the largest eye closer to the camera, the other one in the shadow.
Quick Fix #5: For blinkers, shoot after subject blinks.
Quick Fix #6: For eyeglass wearers, have them use empty frames or position glasses away from lights or have them bounce off the ceiling.
Quick Fix #7: For a square jaw, put the model in a 3/4 pose, and use a higher camera angle.
Quick Fix #8: For multiple chins, have the model stretch his/her neck, with head leaning towards the camera.
Quick Fix #9: For a big nose, have the model raise his or her chin slightly with nose pointed straight into the lens.
Quick Fix #10: For a small nose angle the camera to give it dimension.
Quick Fix #11: For a round face, angle your model 3/4 to the camera and then raise the camera slightly. Use short lighting to illuminate the side of the face that is away from the camera.

One Final Advice

These should help you one way or the other. But the most important tip I can give you probably is to trust your eye. Sometimes a “flaw” is crucial in presenting a character. Yes, missing two front teeth and all.

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