Pictures and portraits of the people we love make us smile. Be ready with your camera and you'll be rewarded with memories that rekindle emotions for years to come.

Some of the most pleasing entries in our photo contest are portraits. Portraits are mirrors of the soul.


Have fun!

photo laureates advises not to work too hard to position your subject. The goal is for him or her to relax and fall into a natural pose. Try shooting in your subject's favorite place, or at least a comfortable place. Meaningful props, like a trophy, a musical instrument, or even a fish, can add interest.

Get close

Fill the viewfinder with your subject and create pictures with greater impact. Step in close or use your camera's zoom to emphasize what is important and exclude the rest. Check the manual for your camera's closest focusing distance.




Take candid pictures

photo laureates advises to ignore the impulse to force your subjects to always pose staring at the camera. In photography, Variety is important. Take candid pictures to show them working, playing, leaning against a banister chatting, or relaxing.




Use natural light

You may be surprised to learn that cloudy, overcast days provide the best lighting for pictures of people. Bright sun makes people squint, and it throws harsh shadows on their faces. In photography, on overcast days, the soft light flatters faces. Indoors, try turning off the flash and use the light coming in from a window to give your subject a soft, almost glowing appearance.

In our photo contest, we closely monitor lighting exposure.

Please note that side light can be used differently in black and white photography.

Avoid harsh shadows

photo laureates advises to avoid harsh facial shadows by using the soft lighting of a cloudy day or a shady area. On sunny days, if your camera has several flash modes, select Fill-Flash . This will fire the flash even in bright sunlight. This "fills" the shadows on nearby subjects, creating a more flattering portrait in direct sunlight and more elegant photography compositions. Check your camera's manual.

For an in depth study of light, please click here.


Use the self-timer

Don't forget to get into some of the pictures yourself. You also deserve to have your portrait taken! Set your camera on a flat surface or a tripod . Check what you're aiming at in the viewfinder , and then set the camera's self-timer so you can join the scene after you press the shutter button. Read your camera manual for detailed instructions on the self-timer.