If you also can't take a good photo of your SO, that's not necessarily the end of the world. The most important thing is that you want to improve. According to Niko Karamyan, a photographer and model whose work has been exhibited around the world, a good starting point is the right atmosphere. "The best photography advice is to 'find your light,' but when I say that, I'm mostly talking about the mood," Karamyan told MEL Magazine. "The energy between a model and the photographer really does translate into the image. The more you enjoy each other's company while taking the photos, the better the vibe in the images will be."
Sometimes your partner may ask for a photo because of how much they adore a certain location, other times, they simply like the way their hair looks that day. If the latter is the case, demonstrate your creativity by suggesting them stand in front of a vibrant wall, a picturesque view or whatever corner of the room you think is the nicest.
Karamyan highlighted the importance of increasing your awareness of what you’re actually capturing: “Take note of your surroundings and the environment and the details within it."
Next, find the right light. "Look closely to see if there are any shadows, especially on a person's face. If you can’t tell through the lens, look at the person and be sure," Karamyan added.
When it comes to the the golden hour, video director Will Azcona explained, "There are actually two of these periods everyday — typically at the rise and fall of each day’s duration, like bookends. This means the best time to shoot is right before sunset and right after sunrise. Most of the images we’re exposed to in pop culture are shot during golden hour or are set up to mimic this kind of light."
Also, consider that people love being photographed from above because it usually makes us look thinner.
However, snapping a pic of someone from below also has its upsides. “Throughout the history of portraiture, most subjects have been shot from the perspective of looking up at them," Azcona explained. "This is a simple visual cheat code to add a natural sense of strength, power, and reverence to any image. This perspective elongates the legs, a feature that’s been the most revered portion of the female body at times. It also exposes the neck and adds height to the subject by giving them a towering presence within the frame."
So there you have it. Go. Experiment. And remember that even though these tips might not make you the best portrait photographer, the extra efforts you put into your relationship definitely don't go unnoticed.
