1. Bad Lighting:
* Mistake: Harsh, unflattering light. This often means direct sunlight at midday, which creates strong shadows and squinting.
* Fix:
* Avoid Midday Sun: Shoot during the golden hours (early morning or late afternoon) for soft, warm light.
* Find Shade: Move your subject into open shade (shade that's evenly lit, like the shadow of a building).
* Use a Reflector: Bounce light back onto the subject's face to fill in shadows.
* Use a Diffuser: Soften harsh sunlight by placing a diffuser (scrim) between the sun and your subject.
* Indoor Lighting: If indoors, position your subject near a large window, using the window light as your main light source.
* Flash Control: If using flash, diffuse it (softbox, umbrella, or bouncing off a ceiling) to avoid harshness. Learn about flash exposure compensation (FEC).
2. Incorrect Focus:
* Mistake: The eyes (or the nearest eye) are not sharp. This is the most critical area for focus in a portrait.
* Fix:
* Use Single-Point Autofocus: Select a single focus point and place it directly on the eye.
* Focus and Recompose: Focus on the eye, then gently recompose the shot (be careful not to change the focal distance too much).
* Back Button Focus: (Advanced) Separate focusing from the shutter button. This allows you to lock focus and recompose freely.
* Wide Aperture Challenges: Be aware that very shallow depth of field (wide apertures like f/1.4 or f/1.8) makes focusing even more critical and less forgiving. Consider stopping down slightly (f/2.8 or f/4) for more depth of field.
* Manual Focus: In tricky situations, manual focus might be more accurate. Use focus peaking (if your camera has it) to see what's in sharp focus.
3. Unflattering Posing:
* Mistake: Awkward or stiff poses that don't flatter the subject's body shape.
* Fix:
* Bend Limbs: Straight arms and legs tend to look larger and less dynamic. Encourage slight bends in the elbows and knees.
* Angle the Body: Have your subject turn their body slightly to the side (about 45 degrees). This creates a more slimming and interesting silhouette.
* Weight Shift: Have the subject shift their weight onto one leg.
* Hand Placement: Be mindful of hand placement. Avoid having hands flat against the body or hidden. Suggest natural positions, like in pockets, touching the hair, or holding an object.
* Chin Position: Encourage the subject to slightly lower their chin to avoid a double chin. However, don't overdo it, or it can look unnatural. A subtle adjustment is key.
* Practice Posing: Research and practice different posing techniques. Look at magazines and other portraits for inspiration.
* Give Direction: Don't just say "pose." Give specific instructions and offer adjustments. Be encouraging and positive.
* Watch for Tension: Observe for tense shoulders, clenched jaws, or forced smiles and guide them to relax.
* Use Props: Props can help subjects feel more comfortable and give them something to do with their hands.
4. Distracting Backgrounds:
* Mistake: A cluttered or distracting background that takes attention away from the subject.
* Fix:
* Choose a Simple Background: Look for clean, uncluttered backgrounds like a plain wall, a blurred-out area, or a single color.
* Use a Wide Aperture: Create shallow depth of field to blur the background and isolate your subject.
* Change Your Angle: Moving a few feet to the left or right can significantly change the background.
* Distance: Increase the distance between your subject and the background.
* Eliminate Distractions: Before taking the photo, scan the background and remove any distracting objects (e.g., trash cans, signs, etc.).
* Post-Processing: You can selectively blur the background in post-processing.
5. Improper White Balance:
* Mistake: Colors look unnatural – too warm (yellowish) or too cool (bluish).
* Fix:
* Set White Balance Correctly: Use the appropriate white balance setting on your camera for the lighting conditions (e.g., Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Tungsten, Fluorescent).
* Custom White Balance: Use a gray card to set a custom white balance for the most accurate colors.
* Shoot in RAW: Shooting in RAW format allows you to adjust the white balance in post-processing without losing image quality.
6. Poor Composition:
* Mistake: The subject is placed awkwardly in the frame, or the composition is unbalanced.
* Fix:
* Rule of Thirds: Divide the frame into nine equal parts with two horizontal and two vertical lines. Place key elements of the portrait along these lines or at their intersections.
* Leading Lines: Use lines in the scene to lead the viewer's eye to the subject.
* Negative Space: Use empty space around the subject to create a sense of balance and visual interest.
* Framing: Use elements in the scene to frame the subject (e.g., archways, trees, doorways).
* Eye Level: Shoot at the subject's eye level for a more engaging portrait.
* Experiment: Don't be afraid to try different compositions and angles.
7. Using the Wrong Lens (or Focal Length):
* Mistake: Using a lens that distorts the subject's features.
* Fix:
* Ideal Focal Lengths: For portraits, focal lengths between 50mm and 135mm are generally considered ideal. 85mm is often cited as a sweet spot.
* Avoid Wide-Angle Lenses (for Close-Ups): Wide-angle lenses (e.g., 18mm, 24mm) can distort the face, making the nose look larger and the ears look smaller.
* Telephoto Compression: Telephoto lenses (e.g., 200mm+) can compress the background and create a shallower depth of field. They can be useful for environmental portraits.
* Consider Crop Factor: If you're using a crop sensor camera, you'll need to adjust the focal length accordingly. For example, a 50mm lens on a crop sensor camera will have a field of view equivalent to approximately 75mm or 80mm on a full-frame camera (depending on the crop factor).
8. Ignoring Wardrobe and Styling:
* Mistake: The subject's clothing clashes with the background, is too busy, or is unflattering.
* Fix:
* Plan Ahead: Discuss wardrobe options with your subject beforehand.
* Simple is Best: Solid colors and simple patterns are generally more flattering than busy patterns.
* Coordinate Colors: Choose colors that complement the background and the subject's skin tone.
* Avoid Distracting Logos: Logos can be distracting and take attention away from the subject.
* Fit Matters: Make sure the clothing fits well and is comfortable.
* Consider the Occasion: The wardrobe should be appropriate for the type of portrait (e.g., formal, casual, professional).
* Grooming: Make sure hair is tidy and makeup is appropriate.
9. Not Communicating Effectively with Your Subject:
* Mistake: The subject feels uncomfortable, awkward, or doesn't understand what you want.
* Fix:
* Build Rapport: Talk to your subject and get to know them before you start shooting.
* Give Clear Instructions: Explain what you want them to do in a clear and concise way.
* Be Positive and Encouraging: Offer positive feedback and encouragement throughout the shoot.
* Show Examples: Show your subject examples of poses or expressions you're looking for.
* Be Patient: Not everyone is comfortable in front of the camera. Be patient and understanding.
* Listen: Pay attention to what your subject is saying and adjust your approach accordingly.
* Read Body Language: Be aware of non-verbal cues that indicate discomfort or tension.
* Use Humor: A little humor can help relax your subject and create a more natural expression.
10. Neglecting the Eyes:
* Mistake: Eyes are dull, lacking sparkle, or obscured by shadows.
* Fix:
* Catchlights: Look for catchlights (reflections of light) in the eyes. These add sparkle and life. Adjust the light source or subject's position to create catchlights.
* Focus on the Eyes: As mentioned earlier, sharp focus on the eyes is critical.
* Remove Shadows: Use a reflector to fill in shadows under the eyes.
* Posing: Slightly tilting the head can help open up the eyes.
* Expression: Encourage the subject to think of something happy or engaging to bring life to their eyes.
* Post-Processing: You can subtly enhance the eyes in post-processing (e.g., brighten, sharpen, remove red-eye). But be careful not to overdo it.
11. Over-Processing:
* Mistake: Excessive retouching that makes the subject look unnatural or plastic.
* Fix:
* Subtlety is Key: Less is often more when it comes to retouching.
* Focus on Natural Enhancements: Address blemishes, smooth skin slightly, and enhance colors subtly.
* Avoid Over-Smoothing: Retain skin texture to maintain a natural look.
* Don't Change Features: Avoid significantly altering the subject's features (e.g., making eyes larger, changing the shape of the nose).
* Consider the Subject's Age: Retouching should be appropriate for the subject's age.
* Get a Second Opinion: Ask someone else to review your edits to ensure they look natural.
12. Using Too High an ISO:
* Mistake: Images are noisy (grainy) due to using a high ISO setting.
* Fix:
* Use the Lowest Possible ISO: Start with the lowest ISO setting (usually 100 or 200) and only increase it if necessary.
* Control Other Settings: Adjust aperture and shutter speed to allow more light into the camera before increasing the ISO.
* Use a Tripod: A tripod will allow you to use a slower shutter speed without blurring the image.
* Use Noise Reduction Software: If you must use a high ISO, use noise reduction software in post-processing to reduce the noise. However, be aware that noise reduction can also soften the image.
13. Forgetting to Check Camera Settings:
* Mistake: Accidentally shooting with incorrect settings (e.g., wrong white balance, low image quality, incorrect metering mode).
* Fix:
* Develop a Routine: Before each shoot, develop a routine for checking your camera settings.
* Double-Check: Take a test shot and review it on the camera's LCD screen to ensure the settings are correct.
* Learn Your Camera: Familiarize yourself with your camera's menu system and settings.
14. Not Shooting Enough Variations:
* Mistake: Only taking a few shots and missing opportunities for different poses, expressions, and angles.
* Fix:
* Experiment: Try different poses, angles, and expressions.
* Shoot in Burst Mode: Use burst mode (continuous shooting mode) to capture a series of shots in rapid succession. This increases your chances of capturing the perfect moment.
* Move Around: Change your position and shoot from different perspectives.
* Don't Be Afraid to Take Lots of Photos: Digital photography is relatively inexpensive. Don't be afraid to experiment and take lots of photos.
15. Not Having a Vision:
* Mistake: Going into a portrait shoot without a clear idea of what you want to achieve.
* Fix:
* Plan the Shoot: Think about the type of portrait you want to create, the location, the lighting, the wardrobe, and the posing.
* Create a Mood Board: Gather inspiration from magazines, websites, and other sources.
* Communicate with Your Subject: Discuss your vision with your subject and get their input.
* Stay Flexible: Be prepared to adjust your vision based on the circumstances.
By being aware of these common mistakes and taking steps to avoid them, you can significantly improve your portrait photography skills. Good luck, and have fun shooting!