Taking high quality portrait photos is an art that requires specific knowledge from photographer.

Follow these tips:

BACKGROUND

A portrait photo should have a passive background that doesn't take away the attention from the object. Use a soft solid color background for example. But if you want to take a photo in the outdoor background you should blur it. Notice if something protrude from behind the object. Sprouting branch from head doesn't look pretty.



BLURRING

Blurring the background by using a zoom lens and shooting from a short distance or by using manual setting. You can always blur the background later on using photo processing software on your computer.



FOCUS

The most important part of the photo is the face. The portrait photographer should put his attention in the eyes and try to show their emotions and feelings.



RED-EYES

People in your photos shouldn't have red glowing eyes. Some cameras have a "red eye reduction" software but you can also reduce the effects of red eye with a separate flash unit. Put the flash away from the subject and bounc the light of the ceiling or a wall.

LIGHTING

Whenever it's possible use natural lighting and take your photos outdoors during the day. Position the object in a way that the sun light hits it from the side. Don't take photos with the sun behind the object or right in front of it. Silhouette will be too dark or too bright.