"You don't make a photograph just with a camera. You bring to the act of photography all the pictures you have seen, the books you have read, the music you have heard, the people you have loved." - Ansel Adams

Everyone who can afford to buy a digital camera seems to call themselves a photographer these days. Some have the skills to justify the claim but purists would still fight you tooth and nail at using that title. After all, they went through a lot of training to be called photographers and loosely using the term can understandably be offensive.

Shooting portraits takes a keen eye and a great set of skills. Post-photography effects with Photoshop and other software can make these images look a lot better but the art of creating an interesting portrait starts with your vision as the photographer.

If you are an aspiring photographer, you should know that the learning process will always be an ongoing chain. You learn as you should more and more portraits and as you start playing with different elements. As with all the great photographers, START WITH FILM. This is the foundation of your skills. Digital photography is not the same as shooting with a good 'ol roll of film.

Know where to stand.The greatest photographers always know where to stand (sit or lie back) to shoot their subject. It's all about your unique perspective. Photography has a lot to do with perspective and knowing which angle to shoot from is the best start of any interesting portrait.

Shapes, lines, and curves. These are also basic elements of design and like everything visual, the eye will be attracted to patterns and structures. Choosing a subject that uses one, or all of these elements, make a good portrait composition.

Movement. One of the reasons why painting and photography were conceived was to capture a fraction of a moment worth remembering. Creating a portrait that encapsulates a millisecond of something in motion will give character to a composition.

Lights and shadows. These extreme ends have always played a valuable role in photography. It will take a few tests and a lot of shots to perfect the art of capturing light on film but once you've gained a good understanding of light and shadows, you'll be well on your way to being a good photographer.

Out of the box elements.Seeing a bride with her long trail and gown, playing on a tire swing over a calm lake mixes a lot of elements that don't usually go together. But, in a portrait, it draws you in and tells a visual story of the unfamiliar-people are often interested in the unfamiliar. Remember, playing with things that don't mix can create beautiful images you never thought you'd be able to see in one frame.

Messerli Photography
http://www.messerliphotography.com/
4406 Gentrice Dr
Valrico, FL 33596 -8469
813.662.2248

View the original article here