1. Bad or Boring Backgrounds
* Mistake: A distracting, cluttered, or simply uninteresting background can pull focus away from your subject and ruin the overall impact of the portrait. Think busy streets, random garbage cans, or a plain white wall that does nothing for the image.
* Fix:
* Choose Wisely: Scout locations ahead of time. Look for backgrounds that complement your subject – simple textures, interesting colors (that don't clash), or elements that add to the story. Parks, textured walls, or even a blurred street scene can work well.
* Create Depth of Field: Use a wider aperture (lower f-number like f/2.8 or f/4) to blur the background and isolate your subject. This is a classic portrait technique.
* Change Your Perspective: Even a mundane background can be made more interesting by shooting from a low angle or using a telephoto lens to compress the scene.
* Move Your Subject: Simply repositioning your subject a few feet can dramatically change the background. Experiment!
2. Poor Lighting
* Mistake: Harsh shadows, blown-out highlights, or generally flat and uninteresting light can make your subject look unflattering.
* Fix:
* Avoid Direct Sunlight (Especially Midday): This is the worst kind of light for portraits. It creates harsh shadows and squinting.
* Seek Shade or Overcast Days: Soft, diffused light is ideal for portraits. Look for open shade (shade that's open to the sky) or shoot on a cloudy day.
* Use a Reflector: Reflectors bounce light back onto your subject's face, filling in shadows and adding a subtle glow. Even a white piece of cardboard will work.
* Use Flash (with Diffusion): If you're using flash, never point it directly at your subject. Bounce it off a ceiling or wall, or use a diffuser (like a softbox or diffuser cap) to soften the light.
* Golden Hour Magic: The hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset provide warm, soft, and flattering light.
3. Unnatural Posing
* Mistake: Stiff, awkward, or forced poses look unnatural and uncomfortable. Your subject might look tense or self-conscious.
* Fix:
* Give Direction, Not Dictation: Instead of telling your subject *exactly* what to do, offer suggestions and guidance. "Try shifting your weight to your back foot," or "Imagine you're telling a story to someone."
* Encourage Movement: Have your subject move, walk, or even dance a little. Candid moments often look more natural than posed ones.
* Pay Attention to Hands: Hands can be tricky. Have your subject hold something (a prop, their hair, etc.), put them in their pockets, or simply let them relax. Avoid clenched fists or awkward angles.
* Practice Posing: Study portrait photography and learn basic posing techniques. There are tons of resources online. Understand how to flatter different body types.
* Build Rapport: Make your subject feel comfortable. Talk to them, get to know them, and create a relaxed atmosphere.
4. Not Focusing Correctly
* Mistake: Out-of-focus eyes are a cardinal sin in portrait photography. If the eyes aren't sharp, the portrait won't work.
* Fix:
* Focus on the Eyes: Always prioritize focusing on the eyes (or the eye closest to the camera).
* Use Single-Point Autofocus: Select a single autofocus point and position it directly over the eye.
* Back Button Focus: Separate focusing from the shutter release button. Assign focusing to a button on the back of the camera. This allows you to focus once and then recompose the shot without the camera refocusing.
* Manual Focus (If Necessary): In challenging situations (low light, fast movement), manual focus might be your best option. Use focus peaking or magnification to ensure sharp focus.
* Check Your Images: Zoom in on your images on the camera's LCD screen to verify that the eyes are sharp.
5. Cutting Off Limbs at Awkward Places
* Mistake: Chopping off limbs at the joints (elbows, knees, wrists) can create a visually jarring and awkward look.
* Fix:
* Avoid Cutting Off at Joints: Frame your subject so that you're either including the entire limb or cutting it off *between* joints.
* Consider the Composition: Think about the overall composition and how the placement of the limbs affects the balance of the image.
* Full-Length or Head-and-Shoulders: If you're unsure, stick to full-length shots or head-and-shoulders portraits.
6. Ignoring the Rule of Thirds (or Other Composition Guidelines)
* Mistake: Placing your subject dead center in the frame can sometimes be boring and static.
* Fix:
* The Rule of Thirds: Imagine dividing your frame into nine equal parts with two horizontal and two vertical lines. Position your subject along these lines or at the points where they intersect.
* Leading Lines: Use lines in the environment to draw the viewer's eye to your subject.
* Negative Space: Leave some empty space around your subject to create a sense of balance and breathing room.
* Experiment: Don't be afraid to break the rules, but understand them first.
7. Not Paying Attention to Wardrobe and Styling
* Mistake: Clothing that is distracting, ill-fitting, or unflattering can detract from the portrait.
* Fix:
* Discuss Wardrobe with Your Subject: Talk about the look you're going for and suggest clothing that will complement the background and lighting.
* Simple is Often Best: Avoid busy patterns, logos, and anything that will draw too much attention.
* Flattering Colors: Choose colors that complement your subject's skin tone and hair color.
* Fit is Key: Make sure the clothing fits well and is comfortable.
* Consider the Season and Location: Dress appropriately for the weather and the environment.
8. Over-Processing in Post-Production
* Mistake: Excessive use of filters, heavy retouching, and unnatural skin smoothing can make your subject look artificial and unrecognizable.
* Fix:
* Less is More: Aim for a natural and realistic look.
* Focus on Basic Adjustments: Start with exposure, contrast, white balance, and sharpening.
* Subtle Retouching: If you're retouching skin, do it subtly. Focus on removing blemishes and distractions, not completely changing the texture of the skin.
* Avoid Over-Sharpening: Over-sharpening can create unnatural edges and artifacts.
* Step Away and Revisit: After editing, take a break and then come back to the image with fresh eyes.
9. Not Communicating with Your Subject
* Mistake: A lack of communication can lead to awkward poses, uncomfortable expressions, and a disconnect between you and your subject.
* Fix:
* Talk to Your Subject: Explain what you're trying to achieve, give them encouragement, and provide feedback.
* Build Rapport: Get to know your subject a little bit. Ask them about their interests, their day, or anything that will help them relax.
* Give Clear Directions: Be clear and concise with your instructions.
* Be Positive and Encouraging: A positive attitude can help your subject feel more comfortable and confident.
10. Using the Wrong Lens
* Mistake: Using a lens that distorts the subject's features (like a wide-angle lens too close) or not using a lens that helps isolate the subject.
* Fix:
* Ideal Focal Lengths: For portraits, lenses in the 50mm to 135mm range are generally considered ideal. 85mm is a very popular choice.
* Avoid Wide-Angle Lenses Close-Up: Wide-angle lenses can distort facial features when used close to the subject.
* Telephoto Lenses for Background Compression: Telephoto lenses (like 100mm or 135mm) can compress the background and create a shallow depth of field, which helps to isolate the subject.
* Consider the Environment: If you want to include more of the environment in your portrait, you might use a wider lens, but be mindful of distortion.
11. Shooting at Eye Level (All the Time)
* Mistake: Always shooting from the same perspective can lead to repetitive and uninteresting portraits.
* Fix:
* Experiment with Angles: Try shooting from a low angle (looking up at your subject) or a high angle (looking down at your subject).
* Consider the Subject's Height: Adjust your shooting position based on your subject's height.
* Think About the Story: Does a particular angle help to tell a story or convey a specific mood?
12. Not Taking Enough Shots
* Mistake: Rushing through a portrait session and not taking enough photos can lead to missed opportunities and less-than-ideal results.
* Fix:
* Shoot in Bursts: Take several shots in a row, especially when your subject is moving or talking.
* Vary Your Poses and Expressions: Encourage your subject to try different poses and expressions.
* Don't Be Afraid to Experiment: Try different angles, compositions, and settings.
* Review and Adjust: After taking a few shots, review them and make any necessary adjustments.
13. Forgetting About the Details
* Mistake: Overlooking small details can ruin an otherwise good portrait.
* Fix:
* Check for Distracting Elements: Look for anything in the background or foreground that might distract from the subject.
* Pay Attention to Hair and Makeup: Make sure your subject's hair is in place and their makeup is appropriate for the lighting and environment.
* Check for Wardrobe Issues: Look for wrinkles, stains, or other wardrobe malfunctions.
* Adjust Posing for Flattering Results: Tweak the pose to hide any unflattering angles.
14. Ignoring the Histogram
* Mistake: Not paying attention to the histogram can lead to overexposed or underexposed images, resulting in loss of detail in the highlights or shadows.
* Fix:
* Learn to Read the Histogram: The histogram is a visual representation of the tonal range of your image.
* Adjust Exposure: Use the histogram to adjust your exposure settings until the tones are evenly distributed. Avoid clipping (when the histogram is pushed up against either end).
15. Not Practicing Enough!
* Mistake: Expecting to become a great portrait photographer overnight without putting in the time and effort to practice.
* Fix:
* Practice Regularly: The more you practice, the better you'll become.
* Experiment and Learn: Try new techniques and don't be afraid to make mistakes.
* Study Other Photographers: Look at the work of other portrait photographers and analyze what makes their images successful.
* Seek Feedback: Ask other photographers for feedback on your work.
* Be Patient: Learning photography takes time and effort. Don't get discouraged if you don't see results immediately.
By addressing these common mistakes and implementing the suggested fixes, you'll be well on your way to taking stunning portraits! Good luck!