Portrait Article Review

A good portrait tells a story about the person featured in it and/or evokes emotion
The background featured in a portrait is a significant element
Adding props to the photo can help create balance in the frame
You can choose to not include a background if you think it will interfere with the story you want to tell or the emotion you want to evoke
You can cut out certain parts of the portrait if it helps you tell your visual story
Off-centered framing can create an unbalanced effect is that is what is desired
Dim lighting evokes sad/dark feelings
Natural, soft light evokes feelings of serenity and peace
A portrait is any picture where you can see a person and feel a story
Empty spaces in portraits create a sense of loneliness
The rule of thirds can create a sense of power
Good portrait taking involves a thinking process
Try not to over-think while shooting portraits, the subject may become irritated
Planning is needed to successfully tell a story through a portrait
Having an understanding of composition is a key element in good photography