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Studio Photo Techniques

Photography shoots that take place on location can be unpredictable. Changes in the weather or light conditions can have a huge impact on the way a photograph turns out. For this reason, photography studios are sometimes preferable to shoot portraits and other professional pictures because they allow the photographer to control every aspect of the shoot. When shooting in a studio, photographers can use many techniques to influence how their photos turn out, including lighting, poses, framing and backgrounds.

Lighting
- Lighting is one of the most important factors in a photograph because it can completely change the look and feel of the portrait depending on how bright the light is and where it is placed in relation to the subject. Low-key lighting should be used to reflect the mood of a somber picture or to add drama. This lighting technique will emphasize shadows and highlight texture and lines. High-key lighting is used when the photographer wants to give the image a happy and bright feeling. This type of lighting does the opposite of low-key. There should be no shadows, and subjects should seem smooth.
Posing
- The way people are posed in a photo can have a great impact on the way the photo looks. Posing is a technique that requires a lot of practice. Different types of people will look more flattering when posed in a certain way. For example, men should be posed in a masculine pose such as tilting their head toward their shoulder farthest from the camera. Women should be posed in a feminine way, tilting their head toward their shoulder nearest the camera. Other posing techniques include staggering the head heights to avoid patterns, posing people close together for more intimate photographs and including space between people for less intimate photos.
Camera Angle
- Another technique used with both studio and on-location photography is angling the camera. The angle at which you shoot can greatly influence the way the picture looks. If you are taking a portrait of someone who is conscious about her weight, shooting at a downward angle can make her look thinner. This also works for anyone with a large jaw. The placement of the camera will affect the overall look and feel of the portrait.
Backgrounds
- Typically, studios use two backgrounds: black and white. However, backgrounds with images, patterns or scenes are not uncommon. Plain backgrounds are a popular choice for family and group photographs because they do not take away from the subject. However, with certain themed photographs, a background image can enhance the photograph's meaning, such as a library for a graduation photo or a Christmas background for a baby's first holiday.

Photography