Photographing faces: Tips on composition

David Lee

17.6.2019

Translation: machine translated

Pictures: Thomas Kunz

With a portrait, you have plenty of time to get the composition right. But if you want to show people spontaneously and unposed, it has to be quick and unobtrusive. Here are a few simple basic rules to help you in this situation.

This is about photos with people that are spontaneous and not posed. For example, at a party or similar event, in street photography, for an interview or a reportage. You want to take unobtrusive photos and don't have too much time. Nevertheless, you want a meaningful image composition.

Crop faces

Logically, the face is usually in the upper half of the picture, as the head also tends to be at the top. It is possible to crop the head at the top - useful if you want the face to be very large in the picture. When shooting from the side, i.e. in profile, the back of the head can also be cropped slightly.

Open space

For some photographers, all faces are in the centre of the picture - probably because that's where the focus area is. You can do this sometimes, but it's always boring. Move the focus area slightly away from the centre or switch on eye autofocus, if available.

Faces are normally directed towards the centre of the frame: If a person is looking to the right, they tend to be on the left of the picture and vice versa. If two people are talking to each other, this arrangement is self-evident.

Depth effect

Photograph past an object in the foreground to create a depth effect. To do this, you need a fast lens with an open aperture - this makes sense when photographing people anyway.

Super for such a foreground are the arms or shoulders of another person in the room. This not only creates a sense of depth, but also draws attention to the main subject. In addition, such an image makes it clear why the person is looking in this direction.

Bring in some variety

Two things you actually know, but need to remind yourself over and over again until they become second nature:

• Vary your own height position. By default, the camera is at the eye level of the person being photographed. This means that you get down on your knees to photograph small children. You can also lie down to create a more exciting perspective.
• Use the portrait format too. This is often more suitable for individuals. -

These are just a few basic rules. Of course, there are many more possibilities that add variety and excitement. Nevertheless, it makes sense to stick to the basic rules, only then will you notice something special. Otherwise, your photo series will just look strange. <p

David Lee

Senior Editor

David.Lee@digitecgalaxus.ch

My interest in IT and writing landed me in tech journalism early on (2000). I want to know how we can use technology without being used. Outside of the office, I’m a keen musician who makes up for lacking talent with excessive enthusiasm.

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