Use Your Time Wisely
Lockdowns and isolation are inevitable realities of a pandemic, but boredom doesn’t have to be. While traditional photographic outings may be limited, don’t pack your camera away. Instead, take this opportunity to experiment with your iPhone and the Wise Camera app. By refining your skills now, you’ll be ready to capture stunning portraits once travel and social events resume.
Photography at Home
With winter and restrictions making outdoor photography difficult in the Northern Hemisphere, home portraits offer a great alternative. Practice with your partner, family members, or set up a tripod for self-portraits. If you have a family member who always wanted to model, this is their chance! Indoor spaces with diffused light, like living rooms or enclosed porches, provide the perfect environment. Not only will you hone your skills, but it’s also an engaging break from social media and streaming.
Why Portraits?
Portrait photography allows for creative expression through various poses—extreme close-ups, head-and-shoulders shots, or half-body portraits. Extreme close-ups can be intimate, but they may distort facial features, particularly the nose when using the iPhone's 0.5X or 1X lens. For natural-looking portraits, the 2X to 3X lens is ideal. Stepping back reveals more of the subject’s surroundings, which can help tell a compelling story. Just be mindful of keeping the subject’s eyes in focus to maintain a sense of connection.
Symmetry
One of the most popular composition techniques in portrait photography is symmetry. Keeping the iPhone upright captures more of the subject’s chest and minimizes empty space at the sides. Ensure the subject is facing forward and centered in the Wise Camera app’s ‘Symmetry’ option. Position their head slightly above the centerline to create a well-balanced, visually appealing composition.
The Dominant Eye
Positioning the subject off-center allows for ‘Center Eye Composition,’ a technique that places emphasis on the dominant eye—the one closest to the camera. By aligning it with the center vertical line in the Wise Camera app’s Symmetry mode, you create a striking, engaging portrait. Masters like Leonardo da Vinci famously used this principle in works like Mona Lisa, lending their portraits a magnetic quality.
Rule of Thirds
The Rule of Thirds isn’t just for landscapes—it’s a powerful tool for portrait photography, too. In the Wise Camera app, select the Rule of Thirds option and place the subject along one of the vertical red lines while having them look directly at the iPhone. This technique shifts them slightly off-center, creating a dynamic yet balanced image. But which side is best? Read on.
Use of Space
Leaving enough space in front of the subject ensures the composition doesn’t feel cramped. If the subject is positioned along the right vertical line, they should be looking forward or toward the left. If they face the right side of the frame, it can create an unsettling effect, as if they are about to bump into an invisible wall. Having them look toward open space results in a more natural, harmonious image.
Easy Lighting
For flattering portraits, position your subject near a window or a well-placed lamp. Soft, natural light from a window beautifully contours the face. To create dramatic, moody portraits, turn off additional lights so only one side of the face is illuminated. A teenage boy who resists having his photo taken may even enjoy this artistic, high-contrast effect! For a more traditional portrait, use multiple light sources to minimize shadows.
Where to Look?
Even if using a window for lighting, your subject doesn’t need to look out the window. The light is merely a tool for shaping the portrait. Direct engagement with the camera enhances connection with the viewer. However, for a more intriguing effect, have the subject turn slightly away while keeping their eyes locked on the lens.
Final Thoughts
Portrait photography at home is a creative and interactive way to spend time with family while improving your skills. With these tips, you’ll capture compelling and visually striking images. If you’re currently alone, revisit old portraits and enhance them with the Wise Photos app, using the Rule of Thirds tool for a refined look. A little creativity and editing can transform simple snapshots into stunning portraits.
Aldo