Portrait photography tips for shutterbugs on a budget

Photography is an expensive hobby and career to pursue. Some photographers get started in the journey using secondhand cameras and lenses while learning to shoot with DIY lights and other equipment. Portrait photography is among the least expensive disciplines. San Diego, California-based photographer Arie Eric De Jong shares on this blog some tips for photographers on a budget.

Reflectors are incredibly important when shooting portraits. For DIY reflectors, grab a recycled box, aluminum foil, and some glue. Lay the box flat and glue the aluminum foil on the carton; be sure do it neatly for optimal results. Artificial light such as built-in and fill flashes and direct sunlight can be harsh on the subject. Diffusers or soft boxes help soften the light. Use a large hula hoop, a duct tape, and a translucent cloth to build the diffuser.

During outdoors night shoots, a built-in flash won’t offer any help when it comes to making the portrait interesting. Use any kind of flashlight as a steady fill light for a little boost in lighting. When used properly, such lighting can create a bit of drama that can draw audiences to the image and the subject.

Look for backgrounds with texture, says Arie Eric De Jong. Allow the subject to have a good distance from the wall in order to blur out the background either manually or with the help of post-processing. Portrait photography doesn’t have to be expensive especially while one learns the ropes. It’s important to stock up on knowledge, gain experience, and build a favorable reputation as a photographer before breaking the bank for over-the-top professional equipment.