1. Mistake: Bad or Distracting Backgrounds
* Problem: A cluttered, busy, or poorly chosen background draws attention away from the subject and can ruin an otherwise good portrait. Think of a bright red car right behind the model's head, or a garbage can visible.
* Fix:
* Choose Wisely: Scout locations beforehand. Look for clean, simple backgrounds that complement your subject (plain wall, natural bokeh from trees, blurred background).
* Shallow Depth of Field: Use a wide aperture (low f-number like f/2.8 or f/1.8) to blur the background, creating bokeh and isolating your subject.
* Change Your Perspective: Move around, crouch, or stand on something to shift the background. A slight change can make a big difference.
* Clean Up: Literally move distracting elements (trash, branches, etc.) out of the frame if possible.
2. Mistake: Poor Lighting
* Problem: Harsh shadows, blown-out highlights, or generally dim and unflattering light.
* Fix:
* Golden Hour: Shoot during the hour after sunrise or before sunset for soft, warm, and flattering light.
* Open Shade: Place your subject in the shade of a building or tree on a sunny day to avoid harsh sunlight.
* Diffusers: Use a diffuser to soften direct sunlight.
* Reflectors: Use a reflector to bounce light back onto your subject's face, filling in shadows.
* Artificial Light: If indoors, use strobes, speedlights, or continuous lighting. Learn about light modifiers (softboxes, umbrellas) to shape the light.
* Avoid Direct Flash (on-camera): On-camera flash tends to be harsh and unflattering. If you *must* use it, bounce it off a ceiling or wall.
3. Mistake: Unnatural Posing
* Problem: Stiff, awkward, or forced poses that look uncomfortable.
* Fix:
* Conversation and Direction: Talk to your subject and give them gentle, specific instructions ("Slightly turn your shoulders to the right," "Relax your hands," "Look towards the light").
* Movement: Encourage movement. Have them walk, turn, or laugh. Capture candid moments within the pose.
* Bend Limbs: Straight limbs can look stiff. Encourage slight bends in elbows and knees.
* Angled Body: Turning the body slightly (not facing the camera straight-on) is generally more flattering.
* Observe and Adjust: Pay attention to what looks natural and what doesn't. Adjust the pose accordingly.
4. Mistake: Focusing on the Wrong Spot
* Problem: Soft eyes, blurry face, or the background is sharper than the subject.
* Fix:
* Focus on the Eyes: The eyes are the window to the soul. Make sure they are tack sharp. Use single-point AF and place the focus point on the eye closest to the camera.
* Back Button Focus: Consider using back-button focus (separating focusing from the shutter button) for greater control.
* Check Focus: Zoom in on your LCD screen after taking a shot to ensure sharpness.
5. Mistake: Ignoring Composition
* Problem: Poorly framed images that are unbalanced or lack visual interest.
* Fix:
* Rule of Thirds: Place key elements along the lines or at the intersections of a 3x3 grid overlaid on your image.
* Leading Lines: Use lines in the scene to draw the viewer's eye to the subject.
* Negative Space: Use empty space around the subject to create a sense of balance and draw attention to them.
* Framing: Use elements in the scene (trees, doorways, etc.) to frame the subject.
* Avoid Cutting Off Limbs at Joints: Be mindful of where you crop. Avoid cutting off limbs at elbows, knees, or wrists.
6. Mistake: Using the Wrong Lens
* Problem: Distortion, unflattering perspectives, or the wrong focal length for the desired look.
* Fix:
* Portrait Lenses: 50mm, 85mm, and 135mm lenses are popular for portraits.
* Avoid Wide-Angle for Close-Ups: Wide-angle lenses (e.g., 24mm) can distort facial features when used up close.
* Consider Compression: Longer focal lengths (85mm+) create compression, which can be flattering by making the background appear closer and softening features.
* Zoom Lenses: A zoom lens (e.g., 24-70mm, 70-200mm) offers flexibility for different compositions.
7. Mistake: Over-Editing
* Problem: Skin that looks plastic, unnatural colors, excessive sharpening, or other overly processed effects.
* Fix:
* Subtlety is Key: Less is often more. Aim for natural-looking results.
* Skin Retouching: Focus on removing blemishes and evening out skin tone without eliminating texture entirely.
* Color Correction: Adjust white balance and colors to create a pleasing and natural look.
* Sharpening: Use sharpening sparingly, focusing on the eyes and other key details.
* Take Breaks: Step away from your editing for a while and come back with fresh eyes.
8. Mistake: Not Paying Attention to Details
* Problem: Stray hairs, wrinkled clothing, distracting objects in the frame, or other minor details that detract from the overall image.
* Fix:
* Pre-Shoot Checklist: Before you start shooting, check for these details.
* Communicate with Your Subject: Politely ask your subject to fix any clothing issues or stray hairs.
* Use Tools: Use tools like the spot healing brush in Photoshop to remove minor distractions.
9. Mistake: Not Connecting with Your Subject
* Problem: Portraits that lack emotion and personality.
* Fix:
* Conversation: Talk to your subject, get to know them, and make them feel comfortable.
* Find Common Ground: Ask about their interests, hobbies, or passions.
* Praise and Encouragement: Give positive feedback and encourage them throughout the shoot.
* Be Authentic: Be yourself and let your personality shine through.
10. Mistake: Neglecting Wardrobe and Styling
* Problem: Clothing that clashes with the background, is unflattering, or simply doesn't suit the subject.
* Fix:
* Plan Ahead: Discuss wardrobe options with your subject beforehand.
* Color Coordination: Choose colors that complement the background and the subject's skin tone.
* Avoid Distracting Patterns: Busy patterns can draw attention away from the face.
* Consider the Style: The clothing should match the overall mood and style of the portrait.
* Simplicity: Often, simple and classic clothing choices work best.
11. Mistake: Using Too Small of an Aperture
* Problem: The entire scene is in focus, including a distracting background, preventing separation of subject.
* Fix:
* Use a Wide Aperture: Use aperture values such as f/1.8, f/2.8, f/4 to create a shallow depth of field and isolate the subject from the background.
12. Mistake: Chimping (Looking at the Camera Screen Too Much)
* Problem: You get distracted by reviewing each shot, missing opportunities and breaking the flow of the session.
* Fix:
* Trust Your Settings: Once you've dialed in your settings, trust them.
* Focus on the Subject: Keep your attention on interacting with your subject and capturing genuine moments.
* Review Sparingly: Only check the screen occasionally to ensure your exposure and focus are correct.
13. Mistake: Not Shooting in RAW
* Problem: Limited ability to recover detail in highlights and shadows during post-processing.
* Fix:
* Shoot RAW: RAW files contain much more information than JPEGs, giving you greater flexibility in editing.
14. Mistake: Fear of Experimentation
* Problem: Sticking to the same safe poses and compositions, resulting in predictable and uninspired portraits.
* Fix:
* Try New Things: Experiment with different angles, lighting techniques, and poses.
* Study Other Photographers: Look at the work of photographers you admire and try to emulate their techniques.
* Embrace Mistakes: Don't be afraid to make mistakes. They are part of the learning process.
15. Mistake: Lack of Preparation
* Problem: Arriving at the shoot unprepared, leading to wasted time and missed opportunities.
* Fix:
* Scout Locations: Visit the location beforehand to plan your shots.
* Create a Shot List: Have a list of poses and compositions you want to capture.
* Charge Your Batteries: Make sure your camera batteries are fully charged.
* Bring Extra Equipment: Bring extra batteries, memory cards, and other essential equipment.
* Communicate with Your Subject: Discuss the shoot with your subject beforehand to ensure you are both on the same page.
By understanding and addressing these common mistakes, you can dramatically improve the quality of your portrait photography. Good luck!