Portrait photography can be repetitive and dare I say it, boring. If you have the opportunity to add creativity to your portrait photos then grab it with both hands! There are super easy and effective ways that you can make your portrait photography stand out from the crowd. If you are stuck for ideas, check out our 10 innovative ideas for your portrait photography.
Create a rainbow effect
Vibrant colours and faces work together like a match made in heaven. This is a super easy, effective and budget friendly effect to create. All you need is a CD and a torch. Shine the light on the shiny light of the CD and move it around until it creates rainbow lines. It makes for a cool and unique portrait photography, and that’s why it features in our 10 innovative ideas for your portrait photography.
photograph your Silhouette
Portraits don’t necessarily have to be up-close, detailed photos. You can always opt to shoot silhouettes if you want a dreamy, soft look to your portrait. Or perhaps you don’t want your identity shown. Silhouettes are super easy to create. Make sure the model stands in front of a background that is lighter than them to form outlines of their face. It’s great for a dramatic, mysterious and creative photo.
Experiment with reflection
Grab a mirror or even a window and play with reflections. You can create some amazing photos with texture, layers and movement. In addition, try and experiment with more than one mirror to get optimum angles and super cool reflections.
Up close and personal
We always associate portraits with photos of a face but this isn’t always the case. For a more unique approach, you can take photos of facial details like the eyes, lips or hair. Adding movement to the photo will also add an element of excitement and creativity.
Shoot through objects
We love this idea because it’s super easy to create and the final product is sensational. You could lightly cover your lens with your hands, branches or filters. In addition, try shooting through windows or different fabrics to create texture and layers to your photo. This is a super simple innovative idea for your portrait photography.
Colour-blocking
Colour blocking is a great of making your photos bold, striking and colourful. Colour-blocking is when you pair two opposite colours together from the colour wheel. For example, the background could be orange and your model could be wearing a blue top. A simple yet effective idea but it produces a great portrait that will stand out from the crowd!
Experiment with shadows and light
Expanding on our ‘shooting through objects’ idea, play around with shadows and lighting in your portrait photos. For example, stand by some blinds to create shadows on your face. It makes the photo a little more exciting and different instead of a more traditional portrait.
Play with water
Although it might not be the most practical prop, you can capture some hilarious and exciting portrait photos with water. You can create a ‘rain shower’ or alternatively, submerge half the head under water for a more artistic shot.
shoot from a different angle
Usually, portraits are taken head on and at the same height as the model. However, try and mix it up for a unique and innovative shoot. For example, shoot from above or below the model to capture different angles. You will definitely need to experiment with this idea, so just be patient and the frame will come eventually!
invite a furry friend
There is no doubt that our furry friends can add an element of fun and excitement. It may be challenging to get a still shot but that’s the fun and uniqueness of shooting with an animal. You never know what the photo will turn out like!
If you are looking for some more kid-friendly ideas, check out our 10 ideas for a fun and creative kids photoshoot.
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