#creativeheadshots

Portraits appear so detailed and distinct from other pictures, giving rise to a unique entity, with distinct shadows and references, especially when taken in the afternoon. The afternoon is an ideal time for a portrait session. The sun creates a rich, warm light, adding depth and charm to portraits taken during this time. Whether you're a professional photographer or want to practice portrait photography, here are some essential techniques to enhance your portrait skills and help you take portraits in the right light. This article will provide practical tips, such as utilising golden hour light, finding open shade, using reflectors and diffusers, selecting the right background, and experimenting with angles. By adopting these methods, you'll be able to master your photography skills -

1. Use the Golden Hour – The "Golden Hour," as you may have heard, is the best time of the afternoon for portrait photo. It's the last hour before sunset, when the sun turns a deep red and radiates a warm glow. During this time, the sunlight is soft and flattering, reducing sharp shadows on faces and creating a radiant effect in the picture. For a good photo, position yourself or the subject with your back to the sun. Standing them up will create a slight glow or halo effect on their hair and shoulders, making this technique a professional look for your afternoon images.

2. Find open shade - The sun is quite intense during the middle of the day, which can cause the model's shadows to become sharp and highlighted when photographed in direct sunlight. To reduce the light, shading is required, such as under trees, on top of buildings, or with reflectors. For a perfect portrait photoshoot, shooting in open shade also has the advantage of providing even light distribution throughout the photo shoot, preventing overexposing certain areas of the face, making it an essential and effective way to take very natural-looking afternoon portraits.

3. Use a Reflector or Diffuser – When shooting in bright sunlight, use a reflector to reflect the shining light onto the subject's face, reducing shadows. Then, use a diffuser in the centre. This reduces the harsh light, creating a picture-perfect atmosphere. These two tools can be invaluable in improving the quality of your afternoon photos, especially when you don't have access to open, shaded areas.

4. Choose the Right Background - The background is crucial to taking the perfect photo. A more cluttered background draws people's attention to the sky. You can also choose a background that reflects your professional style. A neutral-colored wall with minimalist settings or a picturesque location can also help draw attention away from your subject. To avoid this, try avoiding too much contrast between clothing and the background. This will neither blend in nor stand out.