How to make artistic experimental portrait photographs

Photography is about expression. I joke with people about me just showing up and pushing that big button on top of the camera. But the reality is that making creative portraits is a skill of its own and quite different than the standard type of photography you’ll get if you just google photographers in your area. They knowledge, know how and right tools can make you deadly at your game of crafting unique images. And in my opinion in a day and age when iphones do more and more the art of creative photography itself will become more and more valuable. Unless you are looking for cookie cutter images.

Multiple Exposure

Now, if you have time this is one of the most creative things you can do with your camera. If it allows it. I only shoot these in camera. Call me a purist. I know the canon mark series include multiple exposure. Do a little research if your camera does. This is one of the most complicated processes to get down. You’ll need to play with your shutter speed for the different pics. Give it time and you will develop a style all of your own.

Prisms

Prisms are becoming more popular, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use them. Use whatever you think will get your desired shots. Or whatever inspires you to shoot more. There are extensive guides on different prisms and styles for your photography online.

Shoot Through Items in the Foreground

Items closer to your camera can give you a certain soft feel that is tough to otherwise replicate. You can use flowers, grass, handheld items, leaves or whatever you think of.

Artificial Light Leaks

Use real film and get light leaks. Or if you can’t afford film, like myself, it’s sometimes okay to tastefully create them yourself. You can do this by holding objects in front of your lens like prisms or colorful paper. You can also add them in post if you absolutely have to although I rarely do.

Light painting

Lens Baby - Tilt Shift

Lens baby has a tilt shift lens that is very affordable in the world of lenses. You’ll notice it’s a little more of a controlled way to create the same dreamy effect of freelensing. All without removing your lens from it’s home mounted on your camera. This can be a great way to enter the realm of creative photography.

Intentional Blur

Having a little bit of a slow shutter speed can add drama and motion to your photo. Your viewer will create a different kind of connection with the image and feel the action of the shot.

Free Lensing

You can find videos online that go into more detail. But, essentially you want a 50mm lens or somewhere in that focal length. You unhook the lens from your camera. You can move the lens in front of your sensor at different angles and positions to create dramatic and dreamy effects. Intensified bokeh to the 10th power. This is a risky move if you’ve only got a small amount of time to capture your subject.

Hard Flash

A direct on camera flash pointed right at the subject can create a certain look. It can subtly make people think of the style of photography that was more common in the 90’s inspiring a certain nostalgia while also creating a crisp image. It can feel more casual and thrown together despite being meticulously planned to be opposite of the more standard lighting setups used today.

Backgrounds

Your background means everything when it comes to your portraits. It tells the story of the day. It’s got the inside jokes from your encounter and it paints a picture for the viewer. If you have anything that is meaningful or inspirational to the person you are shooting with, then try to pull it out of them. They generally hold the key to creating an image that lasts. You just have to be able to give up control of the shoot and go where you should.