{"id":81905,"date":"2019-02-25T00:30:57","date_gmt":"2019-02-25T08:30:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iphonephotographyschool.com\/?p=81905"},"modified":"2020-03-14T11:29:11","modified_gmt":"2020-03-14T18:29:11","slug":"high-contrast-portrait-photography","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/iphonephotographyschool.com\/high-contrast-portrait-photography\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Tips For Stunning High-Contrast Portrait Photography On iPhone"},"content":{"rendered":"

Do you want to capture stunning high-contrast portrait photos with your iPhone? High-contrast portrait photography isn\u2019t hard\u2014once you know a few tricks! Read on to discover 7 tips for shooting incredible high-contrast portraits where the subject really stands out. You won’t be disappointed!<\/p>\n

\"High<\/p>\n

1. Choose A Light Or Dark Background For High-Contrast Portrait Photography<\/h2>\n

Are you looking to take gorgeous high-contrast portrait pictures<\/a> with your iPhone?<\/p>\n

You might be tempted to begin by selecting a model.<\/p>\n

However, I\u2019d advise against this.<\/p>\n

\"High<\/p>\n

Instead, start your photography process by choosing a background for your portrait<\/a>. Only then should you choose your model.<\/p>\n

Why should you focus so heavily on the background?<\/p>\n

When shooting high-contrast portraits, the background is extremely important. The subject and the background must work together to create a stunning photo.<\/p>\n

And so you must pick the background deliberately.<\/p>\n

\"High<\/p>\n

Once you\u2019ve chosen a perfect background, you can select a good model.<\/p>\n

But what makes for a perfect background?<\/p>\n

A perfect background is, above all, simple. It is generally uniform in color, like the white fabric in the photo below.<\/p>\n

\"High<\/p>\n

But a great background is also very dark or very light.<\/p>\n

For instance, the white sands of a beach make for an excellent light background.<\/p>\n

And the brown metal of a building makes for a fantastic dark background.<\/p>\n

By choosing backgrounds that exist at such extremes, you\u2019ll be able to ensure high contrast between the background and the model.<\/p>\n

\"High<\/p>\n

Which is exactly what you want.<\/p>\n

Then you can choose the perfect model.<\/p>\n

\"High<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re using a bright background, you can choose a model with dark clothes or a dark complexion.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re using a dark background, you can choose a model with light clothes or a light complexion.<\/p>\n

\"High<\/p>\n

When your model is photographed on the perfect background, the photo will have a lot of power. The dark-light contrast will stun the viewer!<\/p>\n

However, you can do even more to create contrasty photos. Because you also should pay attention to the light:<\/p>\n

2. Shoot In Harsh Sunlight For Amazing Contrast<\/h2>\n

Most photographers like to shoot in the early morning and late afternoon. That\u2019s when the sun casts a gorgeous golden glow over the scene.<\/p>\n

(These times are known as the golden hours<\/a>.)<\/p>\n

But if you want to create amazing high-contrast portrait photography, you must avoid the golden hours.<\/p>\n

\"High<\/p>\n

You should also avoid cloudy days.<\/p>\n

Why?<\/p>\n

When the sun is low in the sky (during the golden hours), or when the sunlight is diffused (on cloudy days), the light is soft.<\/p>\n

Which is exactly what you don\u2019t want when photographing high-contrast<\/a> portraits.<\/p>\n

\"High<\/p>\n

Instead, you should shoot on bright, sunny days\u2014when the sun is high in the sky.<\/p>\n

When the sun is high above the scene, the light is harsh and contrasty. And so the scene will have dark shadows<\/a> and bright whites.<\/p>\n

\"High<\/p>\n

In most photography, dark shadows and bright whites are avoided at all costs.<\/p>\n

But when you\u2019re shooting high-contrast portrait photography, it’s perfect!<\/p>\n

You can even play with the heavy shadows by placing your subject partially in darkness. This will create a gorgeous, dramatic image\u2014one that will stun the viewer.<\/p>\n

\"High<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s the bottom line: If you\u2019re looking to take the best high-contrast portraits, then you must shoot on sunny days.<\/p>\n

I recommend going out for a few hours in mid-afternoon. That\u2019s when the light is perfect.<\/p>\n

And that\u2019s how you\u2019ll get the best images.<\/p>\n

3. Visualize The Shot In Advance For The Most Compelling iPhone Portrait<\/h2>\n

You know how to find a background and a model.<\/p>\n

You know how to shoot in the best light.<\/p>\n

But how do you create powerful compositions<\/a>? How do you create photos that look very pleasing to the eye?<\/p>\n

\"High<\/p>\n

Start by visualizing the shot in advance. Think about the mood you\u2019d like to create with the photoshoot.<\/p>\n

If you want to create a dramatic photo, then you should probably have your model stare at the camera. Have them tilt their head downward. Have them pull a blank expression.<\/p>\n

\"High<\/p>\n

If you want to create a more subdued shot, have the model look away. You might even want to have them turn their back to the camera. That way, the shot will be less intense.<\/p>\n

Then think about the different photos you\u2019d like to get.<\/p>\n

\"High<\/p>\n

I\u2019d recommend you take at least a few different compositions: a headshot, a head-and-shoulders shot, and a full-body shot.<\/p>\n

But you can experiment with these in your mind\u2019s eye. You can imagine various other possibilities. And you can imagine unique versions of these basic portrait photos.<\/p>\n

\"High<\/p>\n

Once you\u2019ve done this visualization, you\u2019re ready to go out with your model…<\/p>\n

4. Simplify Your Compositions For The Best Portraits<\/h2>\n

Here\u2019s a key to gorgeous high-contrast portrait photography:<\/p>\n

The best photos are the simplest photos.<\/p>\n

\"High<\/p>\n

Remember this. And be sure to use it when you\u2019re taking your portraits.<\/p>\n

But what\u2019s the best way to simplify your photos?<\/p>\n

\"High<\/p>\n

First, you should make sure that your images have zero distractions.<\/p>\n

Because distractions take away from photos. They cause the viewer to focus on something other than the subject\u2014and this isn\u2019t what you want.<\/p>\n

To prevent distractions in a composition, look around the area. Are there any unwanted objects, lights, or colors in the scene?<\/p>\n

If so, then make sure you eliminate these distractions when you compose your image.<\/p>\n

\"High<\/p>\n

For instance, you can crouch down low<\/a> to avoid distractions on the ground.<\/p>\n

Or you can move to the side to avoid distractions behind the subject.<\/p>\n

Just make sure you avoid distractions in the background.<\/p>\n

But that isn\u2019t the only way to simplify your shot.<\/p>\n

\"High<\/p>\n

You can also simplify your shots by using minimalistic compositions.<\/p>\n

Minimalism<\/a> is a technique where you include only a few elements in your photos.<\/p>\n

\"High<\/p>\n

For instance, you might include a single person and a white background.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s the bottom line:<\/p>\n

Only include what\u2019s necessary.<\/p>\n

\"High<\/p>\n

So make sure that every part of your photo is essential.<\/p>\n

If you can do this, your photos will be far better.<\/p>\n\n

5. Use Contrasting Colors For A More Powerful Portrait Photo<\/h2>\n

You can create contrast with dark and light tones. You can enhance that contrast with harsh light.<\/p>\n

But did you know that you can create further contrast?<\/p>\n

You just have to use color<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"High<\/p>\n

Certain colors are very similar. They create very little contrast.<\/p>\n

For instance, pink and red don\u2019t stand out when placed next to one another.<\/p>\n

And blue and green look pretty low-key when side-by-side.<\/p>\n

But if you put red next to green, both colors really pop.<\/p>\n

\"High<\/p>\n

This is because red and green are contrasting colors. Some other great color pairs are blue\/orange and purple\/yellow.<\/p>\n

So when you\u2019re out looking for backgrounds, see if you can find some interesting colors. Perhaps you can find a blue wall or a red sign.<\/p>\n

Then,\u00a0ask your model to wear clothes of a contrasting color.<\/p>\n

\"High<\/p>\n

It can also be interesting to give your model colored props<\/a>\u2014which is a great way to introduce contrast.<\/p>\n

You could give your model some\u00a0brightly colored fruit or a colorful umbrella.<\/p>\n

The important thing is that you add as much contrast as possible.<\/p>\n

And color is a great way to do this!<\/p>\n

6. Return To Locations Repeatedly For Creative Portraits<\/h2>\n

When you\u2019re searching out portrait locations\u2026<\/p>\n

\u2026how do you consistently find something that works?<\/p>\n

\"High<\/p>\n

First, I recommend that you spend a lot of time walking and scouting out locations. You should make lots of notes.<\/p>\n

Think about how the light will hit the scene. And think about how the backgrounds might work with different models.<\/p>\n

\"High<\/p>\n

That way, you\u2019ll be able to come up with a few possible locations for any photoshoot.<\/p>\n

However, I\u2019d also recommend another approach:<\/p>\n

Find a few locations and stick with them.<\/p>\n

\"High<\/p>\n

You see, a good location can be used again and again. And you\u2019ll always get great images there!<\/p>\n

In fact, your shots will likely improve over time\u2014as you get to know the location better.<\/p>\n

You might be worried you\u2019ll take the same shot over and over again. You might be worried that your shots will become stale.<\/p>\n

\"High<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t be! Here\u2019s why:<\/p>\n

Locations are always changing.<\/p>\n

The light changes. The weather changes. The scenery changes.<\/p>\n

\"High<\/p>\n

And so, if you come back repeatedly, you\u2019ll get different shots each time.<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll also come up with some unique and inspiring ideas\u2014ideas that you wouldn\u2019t have come up with otherwise.<\/p>\n

\"High<\/p>\n

And this only happens when you know a location intimately!<\/p>\n

So don\u2019t be afraid to return to the same location day after day.<\/p>\n

Locations are like fine wines: They only get better with time!<\/p>\n

7. Experiment Constantly For Creative High-Contrast Portrait Photography<\/h2>\n

Once you have an idea for a high-contrast portrait, what should you do?<\/p>\n

Do you just go out and take that single portrait? Or do you explore other ideas, too?<\/p>\n

\"High<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s what I recommend:<\/p>\n

If you want to get really stunning portrait photos\u2026<\/p>\n

\"High<\/p>\n

\u2026you shouldn’t settle for the first shot you take.<\/p>\n

Instead, once on location, you should shoot as many different photos as you can.<\/p>\n

Because it\u2019s often not the first idea that\u2019s best. So you shouldn\u2019t focus on getting that one shot.<\/p>\n

Once you\u2019ve taken your initial shot, I recommend that you experiment with other, similar shots.<\/p>\n

\"High<\/p>\n

Ask your model to change their pose.<\/p>\n

And then change locations, but keep the original pose.<\/p>\n

Or change your angle.<\/p>\n

Find a high vantage point, and shoot down toward your subject.<\/p>\n

\"High<\/p>\n

Or crouch down low, for a unique, upward perspective.<\/p>\n

\"High<\/p>\n

Have your model change their clothes.<\/p>\n

\"High<\/p>\n

The point is to try different things. Have fun, and experiment!<\/p>\n

One last thing: Don\u2019t be afraid to try anything that you think of\u2014even if the idea is strange.<\/p>\n

Strange photos can be the best photos!<\/p>\n

\"High<\/p>\n

So if you want stunning, high-contrast portraits, make sure you experiment constantly.<\/p>\n

Your last photo might be the best!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Do you want to capture stunning high-contrast portrait photos with your iPhone? High-contrast portrait photography isn\u2019t hard\u2014once you know a few tricks! Read on to discover 7 tips for shooting incredible high-contrast portraits where the subject really stands out. You won’t be disappointed!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":92,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[303,298],"tags":[376,134,86],"class_list":{"0":"post-81905","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-taking-photos","7":"category-tutorials","8":"tag-iphone-camera","9":"tag-people","10":"tag-portraits","11":"entry"},"yoast_head":"\n7 Tips For Stunning High-Contrast Portrait Photography On iPhone<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Do you want to do amazing high-contrast portrait photography on iPhone? You can! Discover 7 tips for gorgeous high-contrast portraits!\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/iphonephotographyschool.com\/high-contrast-portrait-photography\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"7 Tips For Stunning High-Contrast Portrait Photography On iPhone\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Do you want to do amazing high-contrast portrait photography on iPhone? You can! 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