Eyes in Portrait Photography
People say a portrait is a window to a person’s soul. They also agree that the eyes and lips are the most powerful aspects of a person’s expression. I am sure you have heard of the phrase ” we smile with our eyes”. Our lips may smile but if the eyes do not go with it, the smile appears fake. The window remains closed.
I have listed how eyes in portrait photography play a key role and in the gallery you may be able to find images that relate to these ideas.
Spontaneity
An successful portrait attempts to draw the character or the soul out of the person. One of the most effective ways of doing this is the use of eye contact. We are most ourselves when we are spontaneous. That is why candid portraits are successful when we get spontaneous eye contact. In a controlled environment, such as a photo session, the spontaneity comes only after the subject is relaxed in the presence of the photographer. Some people settle down easily, some people take time.
Expressive Eyes
Some people have very expressive eyes, which when used properly can create stunning photographs. Often the expressiveness of the eyes is emphasized by hiding parts of the face, particularly the other dominant feature – the lips. This is quite common in advertising. The eyes of babies and little kids are naturally expressive. Close up portraits make use of this.
Make-up
When make up is used properly, it makes eyes more captivating. This is very common in fashion shoots
Catch-light
Direct eye contact also shows a catch light in the eye – a shiny spot from where light reflects back from the eye. Catch-light creates life in a portrait.
Golden Rule
The positioning of the eyes is also important. Since the eyes are key, they should be placed following the golden rule. Sometimes the face can be tilted to one side so that the eyes are angled and that helps to create a sort of dynamism in the portrait.
A Life’s Story
Sometimes, you see in a older person’s eyes the life story. The experiences and struggles of a lifetime shows through.
Mood
Eyes create mood in a portrait. Mood tells a story. A story keeps the viewer engaged. Sometimes eyes appear dreamy and looking out into the distance or it seems the person is deep in introspection. He may be among other people but totally lost in thoughts. Sometimes, the eyes may not be in direct contact when the portrait is trying to create a mood and that is OK. It creates a vulnerable mood. A successful moody portrait sometimes have eyes looking downwards or outwards. In rarer cases the eyes may even be closed. But these are exceptions and the photographer has to know the effect when these choices are made deliberately.
As a photographer, I like nothing more than photographing people. Candid people photography is my specialty.
