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DPChallenge Forums >> Photography Discussion >> Question for paid portrait shooters
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 08/25/2005 08:54:56 AM · #1
When cropping your original file for wallets, 5x7's and 8x10's, is there a rule in portrait photography to keep the subject centered?

Am involved in editing an outdoor family portrait shoot and am curious about placement of the subject(s) within the frame. Due to some surrounding foilage (both foregorund and background), the placement of the subject off center (on 3rds lines) allows inclusion of more colors/flowers etc. However, I'm am totally unaware of the "rules" of portrait photography and subject placement for prints.

Comments or advice from those in this line of work would be greatly appreciated.
 08/25/2005 10:21:17 AM · #2
Keep the faces big.
Put the eyes 1/3 of the way down the frame.
Cut body parts at mid arm/leg NOT at the joints (knees, wrist, elbow)

Message edited by author 2005-08-25 10:21:49.
 08/26/2005 12:00:49 AM · #3
You have to be a little careful about center placement, some people don't get it if something isn't center, they have no creative bones in their bodies.
 08/26/2005 04:18:54 AM · #4
For what it's worth, as I don't do many portaits on a paid basis..

I show people other portraits, some from my own portfolio, and other stuff I clearly tell them is 'off the web' and not my work.

I try to get a feeling for what they want, and you can tell from that conversation if they 'get' arty off center, side lit, sepia toned images, or they are 'ID photo' people.

I did one set of kiddie portraits last month where the family specifically requested photos that 'looked like' ones they had in a portrait book from a library! Which made my 'concept' conversation with them very short indeed! Luckily it was a simple setup, as I only have four flashes, and some of the studio work you find on the web and in books is very complex to emulate without a fully rigged studio.

Cheers, Me.
 08/26/2005 09:19:21 AM · #5
Very much appreciate the replys. Gives me more insight into this feild of photography. I've noticed that when portraits are of an individual, then composition tends to be more creative. However when the frame is of a group or family, then the tendency is more towards centering.

The family specifically choose this location as the scenery was quite nice. Several black eyed susans in the foreground with shrubery and a few roses in the background. Pavers with park benches and a small wooden bridge for additional poses. Other plantings were present as well, however I could not name them. The concern with this editing was that some of the best foilage would be cropped out if the subjects were centered. The real issue I think was mine. As a landscape photographer, I concentrated on the scene, whereas portrait photographers concentrate on the subject/person(s). This is where I feel my first mistake was made. I lost sight that this was first and foremost about people and not the location.

Again, thanks.
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