How to take close-up portraits?

A close-up in portrait photography refers to the part above the shoulders of the person or a closer shot. Because less of the subject enters the frame, the frame should be fuller when composing the picture. Sometimes the facial image occupies most or even the entire frame, so it can subtly express the subject's momentary expression, reveal the subject's inner activities, and give the viewer a special visual experience, leaving a deep impression.

When shooting close-ups, the requirements for shooting angles, use of light, and control of expressions are very strict. Especially when taking close-up shots of women, facial defects must be carefully hidden so as not to affect the image. Makeup can be used to compensate. Although the proportion of the character's body in a close-up shot is small, the beautiful artistic conception of the picture must also be created. You can use the subject's expression or add props as part of the composition to render the beautiful artistic conception of the picture.

When shooting close-ups of portraits, it is important to arouse the subject's emotions. In order to complete the shooting smoothly, you should communicate with the subject more before shooting to make it relaxed, and when shooting, The characters should be encouraged and made more confident to ensure a pleasant and smooth shooting process.

A close-up goes a step further than a close-up, filling the frame with a certain part of the subject and showing the characteristics of the subject in detail. The key to success in shooting close-ups lies in the ability to observe with a discerning eye, and to be able to capture some parts worthy of close-ups, so as to open a window for the viewer to see the inner parts of things. For example, the eyes of characters are often close-ups, because people often say that eyes are the windows to the soul. Indeed, through people's eyes, we can get a glimpse of the characters' inner feelings.

1. Use light to shoot close-ups

Close-up portraits make the characters’ expressions more prominent. The light behind the character increases the light of the character's hairstyle and also creates the three-dimensional sense of the character.

2. The use of eyes

The light shines on the face of the character. Although one eye is covered by hair, the expression of his eyes is the focus of the picture, showing the character Charming and sexy.

A balanced face with good symmetry is considered the most beautiful, but when shooting, it is very difficult to achieve a complete symmetrical balance. Even if a symmetrical picture is really taken, It will also cause the picture to be dull and monotonous. If you want to break this situation when shooting close-up portraits, you can first use the changes in the characters' hair to avoid symmetrical hairstyles; secondly, use side light to slightly break the symmetry of the face; you can also use props to enhance the interest of the picture and break the monotony. picture.

When shooting portraits, lenses with different focal lengths will also affect the imaging of people’s faces. The 85-135mm lens is called a portrait lens. Because the shoulders and heads of people photographed at this focal length can show a good natural perspective effect in the viewfinder, the facial features of the characters will show correct proportions; because the focal length is relatively large, the depth of field of the photo is small, and the photo has Natural beauty.

When taking close-up shots, you must carefully observe the facial features of the character and try to show the most perfect side of the character. If the character's face is relatively wide, you can shoot from the side; if the character's face is relatively fat, you can appropriately raise the camera position for an overhead shot, or lower the character's head slightly, so that the picture can appear wide at the top and narrow at the bottom. , which can make the character's face thinner; if the character's eyes are beautiful and lively, you can make a partial close-up of the character's eyes.

3. Adjust the model's posture

When shooting, lower the head of the character slightly and look down. This will make the character's face look thinner and better express the character. A shy look.

Photography Tips

When taking close-ups, be sure to pay attention to the character’s clothing and makeup. Because it is a close-up shot, it is easy to show the details of the character's face. If there are stains on the makeup, it will affect the beauty of the character. In addition, if the hair is messy, it will also affect the beauty of the character. Therefore, when shooting close-ups, the face of the character must be clean and the makeup must be delicate. At the same time, the hair must be well groomed. style to avoid a messy look.