Many photographers think that portrait photography is one of the most challenging to shoot. The intricate art of capturing people and their personalities requires years of study and practical experience. But that doesn't mean that you can't take your portraiture to the next level. Here are a few hints on how to create striking portraits with minimal experience and no fancy equipment.

Go for Candid

There is no shortage of photographs that feature a smiling subject looking directly down the lens. Images like this have their place, but they do little to convey “who” a person really is. Candid photography is the art of capturing your subject when they aren’t paying attention. This method is becoming very popular at weddings and special events, and will give your portraiture stunning honesty. What’s more interesting – a photograph of a mother staring at a camera, or one of her singing a song to her child

Hide Your Subject?

Another good portrait tip is to partially obscure or cover your subject for a more interesting image. This technique will let you draw attention to certain features like eyes, mouth or hands while leaving a sense of curiousity with what's being hidden. This is also a great technique to try with color. Try having your subject wear a brightly colored scarf or hat and see how a single prop can make a big impact to your picture.

Get Out of the Studio

Instead of taking those boring “sitting in a chair” or “looking out the window” portraits we’ve all seen before, bring your subject into strange and fun environments and work with them to use what’s around you. A great example here would be engagement photographs that feature the couple engaging in a fun activity together, like sitting on a playground see-saw. At every opportunity try to think outside the box to get an image that will truly stand out.

Get Creative With Light

If you're trying to make your subject look natural, then even lighting is the best type of lighting to use for portraiture. However, this in no way means there is no other way to light a subject. Play with the lighting and try things like only lighting part of your subject or casting shadows on them to see what it will do. Simple things like this can go a long way towards creating memorable portraits, and you can usually accomplish them with a couple of desk lamps and a little ingenuity.

Capture Their Personality

Have a conversation with your subject before you shoot and try to get a bearing on “who” they are and what they’re interested in. A portrait should tell a story about what a person is on the inside as well as the outside, and these little clues can help you formulate ideas for bringing the internal person out. You can also use the information about them to select more appropriate props that better represent their interests and hobbies.

Your first responsibility in portraiture is to always create photographs that show “who” a person is as well as what they look like. Taking portraits can be tricky initially, but by using these tips you'll be well on your way towards taking better portraits that your subjects will love. Do your best to understand your subject and their desires for the shoot, and don’t be afraid to bring up some fun ideas. Keep it fun and be creative and your sessions will always be successful.