As an iPhone street and portrait photographer, I love capturing the essence and personality of my subjects. Most of the time, I prefer to shoot head and shoulders portraits, as they allow me to focus on the eyes, the expression, and the mood of the person.
However, sometimes I like to go full-length, especially when I want to show more of the context, the environment, and the story behind the portrait.
Full-length portraits can be challenging, but also rewarding if done right. Here are some tips and tricks that I use to create stunning full-length portraits with my iPhone:
Choose the right location and background. The location and background of your full-length portrait should complement and enhance your subject, not distract or overpower them. Look for simple, clean, and interesting backgrounds that match the style and mood of your portrait. Avoid busy or cluttered backgrounds that can create visual confusion and take away from your subject.
Use the rule of thirds. The rule of thirds is a classic composition technique that helps you create balanced and harmonious images. To use it, imagine dividing your frame into three equal horizontal and vertical sections, and place your subject along one of the lines or at one of the intersections. This will create a dynamic and pleasing composition that draws attention to your subject.
Pay attention to the pose and posture. The pose and posture of your subject can make or break your full-length portrait. You want to avoid stiff or awkward poses that look unnatural or uncomfortable. Instead, try to capture natural and relaxed poses that show the personality and attitude of your subject. You can also use props, such as a chair, a wall, or a hat, to add some interest and variety to your poses.
Use the right lens and perspective. The lens and perspective you use can affect the appearance and proportions of your subject. For full-length portraits, I recommend using the main/wide-angle lens (not the ultra-wide camera/lens) of your iPhone, as it allows you to capture more of the scene and create a sense of depth and space. However, be careful not to get too close to your subject, as this can distort their features and make them look unnatural. Instead, keep some distance.
Experiment with different angles and perspectives. One of the advantages of shooting with an iPhone is that you can easily change the angle and perspective of your shots. You can shoot from above, below, or sideways, to create different effects and moods. For example, shooting from a low angle can make your subject look taller and more powerful while shooting from a high angle can make them look smaller and more vulnerable. Try to find the angle and perspective that best suits your subject and your vision.
To conclude, full-length portraits are a great way to showcase more of your subject and their surroundings. They can also help you tell a story and convey a message with your iPhone photography. As the famous portrait photographer Annie Leibovitz said, “A thing that you see in my pictures is that I was not afraid to fall in love with these people.” So, don’t be afraid to fall in love with your subjects and capture their full-length portraits with your iPhone.
Click.
Jack
