Portraits are one the most common type of photographs. We’d like to share some tips for taking better people pictures.
| The “Eyes” Have It
When taking pictures of people, most viewers will tell you that it’s the eyes that catch and hold their attention. Here’s a few examples of how the eyes make a difference. |
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 Here we have filled the viewfinder with the infant’s face. However her eyes are focused downward – pointing away from the photo. |
 Here the young girl is looking directly at the photographer. While she sports a serious visage, her eyes draw me into the photo. |
 This young lady is also looking directly at the photographer. Her large eyes become the center of attention and help “make the photo work”. |
 Here we’ve decided to move in and eliminate the forehead and the chin. The result is a photo that totally emphasizes the child’s bright, compelling eyes. |
I think you’ll be rewarded if you are patient and wait for the subject’s eyes to meet the lens.
A complimentary tip – long ago my mentor taught me that before pressing the shutter button, I should make sure that the lens was carefully focused on the eyes. This has been remained essential words of advice since.
Written by: Arnie Lee
