Men’s portraits can be tricky. As a photographer, it’s important to understand that taking men’s portraits requires a different approach than photographing women. Men have different expectations, concerns, and insecurities when it comes to how they look, and it’s important to be aware of those and work with them to create portraits they’ll be proud to show off.
So, how can you take men’s portraits that make them look and feel good? Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Understand their expectations: Before you start taking portraits, it’s important to have a conversation with your client to understand their expectations. Ask them what they’re hoping to achieve with the photos, and how they want to be portrayed. Some men may want to look serious and powerful, while others may want a more relaxed and approachable vibe. Use the right lighting: Lighting is key when it comes to portraits, and it can make a huge difference in how a man looks. Men typically have more defined facial features than women, so it’s important to use lighting that highlights those features without making them look harsh or overly dramatic. Soft, diffused lighting is often the best choice for men’s portraits, but it’s important to experiment and find what works best for each individual.Pay attention to grooming: Men want to look their best in portraits, so it’s important to pay attention to grooming. Make sure their hair is neatly styled, their clothes are pressed and clean, and their skin is free from blemishes. A little bit of grooming can go a long way in making a man feel confident and ready to be photographed.Pose them appropriately: Men typically don’t have as many natural poses as women do, so it’s important to guide them and pose them appropriately. Don’t be afraid to give them direction and help them find a pose that works for them. You can also experiment with different angles and perspectives to find the most flattering shots.Props: I have discovered that props definitely help a man with posing during a portrait shoot. Whether it is a chair, hat, book, jacket, it gives your subject something to do and interact with. Try injecting a prop into your shoot next time to help with lost hands.Retouch with care: Retouching can be a touchy subject, especially when it comes to men’s portraits. While it’s important to remove any blemishes or distractions, it’s also important to retain the natural look and feel of the portrait. Be careful not to over-retouch, and always get your client’s approval before making any major changes.For this shoot, my client wanted some dark and moody images. I went with a dark gray background with just one side light for a dramatic effect.
What do yo think? How do these rate for men’s portraits? Would you want some photos of your man like this?
If you would like to discuss a portrait session, you can contact me at:
818-439-5290
mn@michellenicholsonphotography.com
Instagram @michellenic
