10 psychological techniques to improve your portraits.

When making a portrait, there are several psychological tricks that you can use to create a more compelling and engaging image. These tricks can help you to capture the essence of your subject and create a portrait that truly resonates with your audience. Here are ten psychological tricks that you can use when making a portrait:

1. Use eye contact: Eye contact is a powerful tool in portraiture. By having your subject look directly at the camera, you can create a sense of connection between the subject and the viewer.

2. Use lighting to create mood: Lighting can be used to create a variety of moods in a portrait. For example, soft, diffused lighting can create a sense of intimacy, while harsh, directional lighting can create a sense of drama.

3. Use color to convey emotion: Color can be used to convey emotion in a portrait. For example, warm colors like red and orange can create a sense of passion, while cool colors like blue and green can create a sense of calm.

4. Use composition to create balance: Composition is an important aspect of portraiture. By using the rule of thirds or other compositional techniques, you can create a sense of balance and harmony in your portrait.

5. Use props to add interest: Props can be used to add interest and depth to a portrait. For example, a musician might be photographed with their instrument, or a writer might be photographed with their favorite book.

6. Use body language to convey personality: Body language can be used to convey personality in a portrait. For example, a subject who is standing tall and confident might be perceived as strong and assertive.

7. Use depth of field to create focus: Depth of field can be used to create focus in a portrait. By using a shallow depth of field, you can create a sense of intimacy and draw attention to your subject's face.

8. Use framing to create context: Framing can be used to create context in a portrait. For example, a subject might be photographed in front of a landmark or in a specific location to create a sense of place.

9. Use angles to create interest: Angles can be used to create interest in a portrait. For example, a subject might be photographed from a low angle to create a sense of power or from a high angle to create a sense of vulnerability.

10. Use post-processing to enhance the image: Post-processing can be used to enhance the image and create a specific mood or style. For example, black and white processing can create a sense of timelessness, while high-contrast processing can create a sense of drama.

In conclusion, these psychological tricks can help you to create a more compelling and engaging portrait. By using eye contact, lighting, color, composition, props, body language, depth of field, framing, angles, and post-processing, you can create a portrait that truly resonates with your audience.ñ