What defines a Good Portrait?

It is considered a good portrait, when it instantly draws our attention to the subject represented. It is usually achieved by combining the depth of field, composition, color and illumination.

To simplify what defines a good portrait, I share here 3 important points:

1.Light;
2.Geometry;
3.Language of the human body.

1. Light

Without light there is nothing, period.
No matter how elaborate our photography, if there is good light, a light that makes sense, we will get lost without knowing where to look.

What the light is illuminating has to be well considered as much as what it is not illuminating.

2. Geometry

The geometry of our frame will guide our eye to the subject depicted in the image. This is used a lot by the great Hollywood cinematographers, as you can see in the video “Stanley Kubrick’s One Point Perpective”.

Use the lines to your advantage, guide the viewers of your images to the depicted subject.

3. Language of the human body

In a photograph, the subject’s entire body communicates. It shows whether you are happy or sad, at ease or uncomfortable. The way the subject places his hands and where he places them is very important. The same can be said of his look.

At the end of the day:

Don’t forget that Luck takes a lot of work.
Now that you know what defines a good portrait, practice, practice, practice.